The past year has been one of extremes in almost every way; from weather to costs - it appears as if everything that has happened in 2023 has been big. However, while there have been extreme hindrances, there have also been notable victories for farmers during the year. Leo Argent looks back on 2023 and highlights the moments - big and small.

Hawke’s Bay Vegetable Growers Association chair Scott Lawson says stress and anxiety levels are up among rural communities in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.

A free smartphone-based app makes it much easier to calibrate current Giltrap Duncan electric drive and mechanical drive drills but works equally well on older model Duncan Renovator and Enviro drills.

A slice of brilliant local technology and innovation is helping a Hastings company, which produces the world's smallest apple to grow to new heights. Peter Burke reports.

In a freshly developed central Hawke's Bay vineyard, gazing over an expanse of one-year-old vines he helped plant, Sam Bain has high hopes for the fruit it will bear.

With many wine regions suffering from low yields in vintage 2021, the good growing season for the upcoming harvest has been welcomed with open arms. It comes with plenty of challenges, including the labour shortages looming large and ever present Covid-19 risks, but collaboration, determination and innovation are hard at work in New Zealand vineyards.

Growers in Otago are experiencing severe staff shortages, due to the ongoing impact of border closures and low unemployment in New Zealand, says Summerfruit New Zealand.

Gaining momentum from the global roll-out of its new brand in July, NZ fruit company Rockit has recently launched its biggest sales and marketing campaign.

More Pacific Island workers won’t solve the acute labour shortage faced by New Zealand orchards and vineyards.

As the 2021 harvest approaches, we seek insights from New Zealand's wine regions on the season and labour challenges, as well as learnings from 2020.