Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
A mate of the Hound reckons Fonterra's Shareholder Council has proven it's nothing more than a lapdog of the Fonterra board rather than a watchdog for the co-op's farmer shareholders.
He suggests the council's directive to farmers not to vote for the Gent/Armer resolution at the recent annual meeting has removed any doubt about its poodle status. Your canine crusader notes that the council has been accused of being a lapdog since Fonterra's formation and it's pretty hard to argue against the claim when something like three of its former chairmen have gone on to become Fonterra directors – including the current chairman 'Little' Johnny Wilson.
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.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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