Risky business
OPINION: In the same way that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, economists sometimes get it right.
OPINION: Massey University has long been, and still is, a core part of the NZ farming scene, training the next generation of farmers, growers, agronomists and more, and doing great research too.
But new research suggests they may have an issue with academic freedom, with the latest Massey Engagement Pulse survey showing many staff there do not feel free to voice their opinions "for fear of reprisal" for not toeing the party line.
Only 5% agreed there was "honest two-way communication" (66% disagreed) and 9% agreed the leadership kept people informed about what is happening (61% disagreed).
The Free Speech Union says the same trend has been seen at the woke AUT and Auckland Uni, where they say debate and dissent is not welcomed.
This old mutt just hopes Masey isn't going the same way.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.