“We are willing to keep learning, evolving and growing.” Those words from 2015 Sharemilkers/Farmers of the Year, Justin and Melissa Slattery, are perhaps a key to their success.

Charlotte Krajewski, age 26, is a cellar hand at Elephant Hill.

Central Otago’s Chard Farm Winery is celebrating 25 years on the farm later this month with a VIP wine tasting, birthday party and a family-friendly locals’ Open Day.

Steve Henderson is the first Grand Finalist to be named in the 2015 ANZ Young Farmer Contest.

The first of seven Grand Finalists will be determined next weekend, Saturday, February 7 as Otago/Southland starts the 2015 Regional Finals for the ANZ Young Farmer Contest in Queenstown.

ARABLE FARMERS are being encouraged to consider dairy effluent as an alternative source of plant nutrients, notably nitrogen.

DEAN RABBIDGE is the second Grand Finalist to be named in the 2014 ANZ Young Farmer Contest. Rabbidge joins Tasman's Reuben Carter, with five spots still up for grabs.

THE DAIRY industry is welcoming a Government initiative for an 18-month foot and mouth disease (FMD) preparedness scheme.

DISCUSSION ON the potential impacts of the restructuring at AgResearch were wiped by Fonterra’s news this month – yet for the rural economy (which is, of course, New Zealand’s economy), the restructuring could have just as dire and long term consequences.

Interested in self-development? Then Generate - a free self-development programme that runs throughout New Zealand from Northland to Southland may be the answer.