Fieldays hold out the begging bowl
OPINION: When someone says “we don’t want a handout, we need a hand up” it usually means they have both palms out and they want your money.
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.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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