Farmers across the top of the South Island are pinning their hopes on forecast rain to ease a drought some say is shaping up as the worst since 2001.

Concerns about the continued spread of wilding pines are coming from both ends of the country.

The apple and pear crop is forecast to increase only modestly this year but it's expected to be top quality.

Feed will be the biggest issue in the coming months for farmers in Tasman region, says Federated Farmers Top of the South dairy chair Brian Dineen.

Rural communities in the Tasman District are being offered advice and support from the Ministry for Primary Industries to look after themselves and their animals.

Zespri will this year issue licences for an additional 700ha of SunGold kiwifruit and 50ha of organics.

A permanent solution to the harvest labour shortage problem is needed for the apple industry, claims a sector spokesman.

At this year’s New Zealand International Wine Show Tim and Judy Finn were awarded the highest accolade within the New Zealand wine industry; the Sir George Fistonich Legends of New Zealand Wine Medal.

Understanding Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), the bacterial cause of Pierce’s Disease.

Every quarter or eighth-acre of high-class land sold for housing or building is one more piece of land excluded from commercial vegetable growing.