With a scheme dating from mid-nineties and now covering over 95% of our vineyard area, New Zealand has largely been ahead of the pack when it comes to sustainable winegrowing. However, as New World competitors such as Chile and South Africa instate their own environmental programmes, the gap is starting to narrow.

Traceability of New Zealand wine is an important marketing tool, which should cover every aspect from the vines, through to the bottled product. It is a process that New Zealand Winegrowers has worked hard to develop, through programmes such as Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

THE NEW Zealand dollar's strength is throwing a dampener on heady days for beef.

THE BEEF industry is hoping to make new inroads into the tricky but potentially huge halal market this year including regaining some of its former $31 million trade to Malaysia.

US CATTLE producers are risking a lucrative export industry by dragging their heels on cattle identification (ID) and traceability systems compared with other beef exporting countries and beef importers.

HISTORICALLY, THE commodities New Zealand exports tend to come under pressure during periods of global duress and uncertainty. Based on this, you'd currently expect New Zealand's key commodity exports to be falling in price. Certainly, the past few months have seen commodity prices ease, but from extraordinary highs, and not as much as other markets.

In the rural sector, many advisors and representatives are rewarded for the custom they bring in and the services/product they sell. Who then is the impartial advisor?

A WOMAN phoned the other day worried that a heading pup she had bought off me showed no interest in sheep.

RECENT COOL temperatures may have kept a lid on the start to the facial eczema (FE) season, but that's no reason to let down your guard, says farm nutrition specialist Altum.

ANYONE WHO had an old Suzuki SJ410 or SJ413 – or even a Land Rover – will relate to this version of Suzuki's offering to the New Zealand market. Built in India, the Farmworker is a 'descendant' of those early Suzuki's that were a cheaper go-anywhere 4WD much favoured years ago by Kiwi farmers.