Sheep & Beef Farm Conversion to Forestry Slows, Risk Remains
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
OPINION: Remember when the Labour Government - not this current lot, but the mob led by Helen Clark - tried introducing a fart tax several years ago?
It led to former King Country National MP Shane Ardern's one and only memorable effort during his long political career - driving Myrtle the tractor up the stairs of Parliament!
Now we have the current Labour Government, with strong support from Greens and meek acceptance by ag 'leaders', aiming to tax livestock emissions again.
However, a mate of the Hound points out that the increasing numbers of vegans and vegetarians in the country should pay a greater tax contribution under the ETS.
"By eschewing high-quality meat proteins for a bean-based diet, they will be adding considerably more to global emissions," your old mate's correspondent explains.
Fair point, one would have thought.
For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.
West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…