Risky business
OPINION: In the same way that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, economists sometimes get it right.
OPINION: Your old mate understands that Soil and Health NZ – the organisation behind organic and regenerative agriculture – has come up with a novel way to raise funds.
It is putting out its first Nude Gardening Calendar, “To raise money for our work on promoting organic and regenerative practices, advocating for living soils, nutritious food, healthy people, and a thriving environment”.
According to Jenny Lux, organic market gardener from Rotorua and co-chair of Soil & Health NZ, “Gardening in the nude symbolises shedding the layers between us and nature. It’s a statement of authenticity and joyful, connected living”.
Now, your old mate does not wish to be unkind, however, with his experience of the types of people who support organic and regen ag, the thought of looking at them showing off their uncovered gardens – so to speak – every day of the year is not something he is willing to pay for!
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.