Syndicate agricultural investor MyFarm is moving into apples, looking for $13 million from investors to set up Rockit apple orchards.

Hermann and Agnes Seifried hand grafted and planted their first grapes in the Nelson region back in 1973.

"Please experiment, please reinvent, please innovate. But please, please, please communicate – talk to your consumer and let them know what you are doing."

Dryland farming is not that easy for grape growers in New Zealand. But one company in Marlborough has had success, although it hasn’t been achieved overnight.

Horticulture could be the star performer in the primary sector this year. Horticulture NZ outgoing chief executive Peter Silcock says horticulture is in a very strong position.

The University of Auckland is leading a collaborative project to build multi-purpose robotic systems for orchards.

As most of South Canterbury’s farmers grapple with drought, about two dozen in the hinterland of Waimate will be hoping this is their last.

One of the highlights of this year’s Bragato conference, was the Future Leader’s presentation. Four young members of the wine industry were asked to give their views on the future for New Zealand wine.