Methane emission target reset
OPINION: For close to eight years now, I have found myself talking about methane quite a lot.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
Given the 34% blowout in the size of the Wellington bureaucracy in recent years, The Hound is all for it.
Between 2017 and 2023, ten departments increased staff numbers by more than 64%.
As for growth in absolute numbers, MBIE led the way at 2917 new staff.
MPI added 1300, so will no doubt be looked at.
All the same, despite the need for savings, it was pleasing to hear Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard say frontline biosecurity services at MPI will not be cut.
This is vital to defending our biggest export earner.
Cuts to MPI, if any, will need to be chosen very carefully.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…