Luxon Reveals Updated Ministerial Lineup
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced changes to the ministerial lineup, including a new Minister for the Environment and a new Associate Agriculture Minister.
OPINION: A mate of the Hound reckons if you ever wondered why the current Labour Government seems so far removed from rural and farming interests, one only has to look at the make-up of its supposedly 'rural' caucus.
Apparently, this stellar group of no-names meets every month or so to discuss issues affecting rural and farming NZ.
However, your old mate would have to question just how much this group is in touch with the heartland of the country when it consists of former kindergarten teacher Jo Luxton, past senior public servant Meka Whatiri, former boss of the teachers union Angela Roberts, one-time air hostess and unionist Marja Lubeck, and ex WINZ case manager Terisa Ngobi.
As the Hound's mate opined: "I wonder how all those farmers and rural New Zealanders, who supposedly voted Labour at the last election, feel about their electoral choice's rural representation?"
Good question!
A recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand quad safety field day, held along the rugged Whanganui river valley at Kakatahi, focused on identifying risks and taking appropriate actions to minimise unplanned accidents.
Healthy snacking company Rockit has announced Wang Yibo, one of China's most influential celebrities, as its new brand ambassador.
Rabobank has celebrated the tenth anniversary of its AgPathways Programme, with 23 farmers from Otago and Southland gathering for two-and-a-half days to learn new business management and planning skills.
Adopting strategies to reduce worm burden on farm goes hand-in--hand with best practice farm management practices to optimise stock production and performance, veterinarian Andrew Roe says.
Last night saw the winners of the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Awards named at a gala dinner at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
A 12-month pathway programme has helped kickstart a career in dairy for an 18-year-old student-turned-farmer.

OPINION: The old saying 'a new broom sweeps clean' doesn't always hold up, if you ask the Hound.
OPINION: This old mutt went to school to eat his lunch, but still knows the future of the country, and…