State farmer Pāmu is opening its farm gates this summer in an effort to give the rural sector the opportunity to see how large-scale, multi-system farming is delivering productivity and profitability across New Zealand.

OPINION: Good governance is critical to the primary sector. Whether it is a rural business, a levy-payer organisation or a research body, we need a pipeline of capable directors with a passion for, and knowledge of, the sector.

{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Ravensdown Named Naming Rights Sponsor of A&P Show", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Staff Reporters" }, "datePublished": "2026-07-08T10:55", "image": "https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/media/k2/items/cache/60dd72d5c403cdc56a51ee46212ee0ec_L.jpg", "articleBody": "Farmer owned co-operative Ravensdown has signed a two-year naming rights sponsorship of the Canterbury A&P Show.\n\t \n\t \t \t \n\t \n\t \t\nThe event, set to be held from the 11-13 November 2026, will be known as the Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show.\nGarry Diack, chief executive of Ravensdown, says the farmer-owned co-operative is proud to support the farmer-first direction of the event.\n"For generations, the Canterbury A&P Show has celebrated the best of New Zealand farming. As the new naming rights partner, Ravensdown is proud to help ensure that tradition continues for future generations," Diack says.\nHe says that as a co-operative with deep roots in Canterbury, the sponsorship deal "feels like a natural fit".\n \n\n\n \n"The Show is where farmers, growers, rural businesses and the wider community come together to share ideas, celebrate success and look to the future," Diack says.\n"The Show has always been an important way for us to connect with our shareholders. Showing up matters, and this partnership is another way we can back the people and events that help keep rural Canterbury…

OPINION: The year was 2020, the month was January, and an article in this esteemed publication suggested "a new thought for the New Year - New Zealand 'Generative Agriculture'... or New-Gen, for short".

{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Editorial: Wool's Back in the Black", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Staff Reporters" }, "datePublished": "2026-07-08T09:55", "image": "https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/media/k2/items/cache/14488a8b92843dce84d6e2072dec5ca4_L.jpg", "articleBody": "OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.\n\t \n\t \t \t \n\t \n\t \t\nThe Fusca strong wool indicator reached $7.14/kg last week, up from $3.49/kg one year ago, breaking the $7 mark for the first time in almost a generation.\nWool prices have struggled for years due to weakening demand, dipping below $2/kg and making it hard for farmers to cover the costs of shearing and transport, especially as both continue to rise.\nThe good news is that there are signs that demand remains strong in the market.\nMarket analysis points to more wool being sold by private treaty, indicating buyers' confidence to buy forward.\n \n\n\n \nThere is more wool being used domestically in increasingly diverse end uses, and there are reports that stock levels remain low in key export markets indicating strong demand.\nHowever, to sustain prices at these levels, demand must remain strong. To achieve this will require a concerted effort by stakeholders.\nFor its part, the Government is helping the cause through investment in commercial projects…

{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Queenstown to Host Sold-Out New Zealand Apple and Pear Conference", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Staff Reporters" }, "datePublished": "2026-07-08T08:55", "image": "https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/media/k2/items/cache/d0a1138ab02abf94dce1d09127c41869_L.jpg", "articleBody": "More than 300 growers, exporters, researchers, service providers and industry leaders will descend on Queenstown later this month for EXPO 2026, the annual conference for New Zealand’s apple and pear sector.\n\t \n\t \t \t \n\t \n\t \t\nThe sold-out event at QT Hotel on July 22–23, brings together the people, businesses and organisations that drive New Zealand's $1.26 billion dollar apple and pear industry.\nThe conference provides a valuable opportunity to connect, share knowledge and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry's future.\nThis year's event features an expanded EXPO format, with a strong focus on networking, technology, innovation and practical business insights. Growers will be able to engage directly with suppliers, explore the latest technologies, products and services, and view machinery demonstrations in one convenient location.\nComplementing the exhibition are specialist and technical sessions delivered across the two days, covering topics ranging from orchard profitability and productivity to trade agreements, the future of market access, policy, politics, domestic and international research experts and the sectors long-term growth ambitions.\n \n\n\n \nSpeaker highlights include Minister…

37 farmers from across the Rangitīkei and Manawatū regions recently spent a day-and-a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank’s latest AgPathways Programmes in Whanganui.

Seven catchment groups across New Zealand have been awarded $10,000 grants as part of the Westpac Water Care Project.

Equine veterinarians say horse owners need to stay alert and communicate with their vets following an outbreak of the highly contagious bacterial disease Strangles in the North Island.

Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says advocacy group Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has submitted against a controversial bill without consulting its members.