Be afraid
OPINION: Your old mate hears some of the recent uptick in farmer confidence has slipped since the political polls started leading a bit to the left, away from the current coalition of National, Act and NZ First.
OPINION: The annual Fieldays at Mystery Creek next week should inject some much-needed energy into the agricultural sector, however, a mate of the Hound questions whether the organisers truly understand that most of the exhibitors are hoping to see farmers – not just all-and-sundry – coming through the turnstiles.
One of the many recent press releases from Fieldays focused on the heartwarming memories a few regular visitors had of coming back every year.
Not a single working farmer was included in the story.
Instead we had: a former Aucklander now living in Wellington; and a retired farmer from South Africa.
No disrespect to the thousands of townies and school kids that attend, they no doubt add a lot of tin to the gate takings, but the event should surely be focused on connecting farmers with those providing the products and services they need to farm.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.