Migration essential for the future
OPINION: The New Zealand dairy sector attracts the best and brightest from around the world; aspirational farmers that want to make the highest quality products in the best environment.
OPINION: Your old mate hears that the question, who exactly is the National Party's spokesman, is one of the biggest mysteries in farming circles since the rabbit calicivirus was illegally released back in 1997.
According to the Hound's sources, a recent series of farmer meetings found that more than 70% of those attending couldn't name who National's ag spokesman is.
In an effort to uncover the truth, this old mutt has done some tireless research and discovered that the invisible man is actually one David Bennett.
Apparently Bennett's been an MP since 2005 and was tossed out by the electors of Hamilton at the last election, but snuck back into parliament via the party list.
Bennett is supposedly a 'close personal friend' of Judith Collins and better known by the moniker FU - which stands for F#@&ing Useless! Which is totally appropriate, considering his complete invisibility.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.