AGRICULTURE – ALONG with forestry and fishing – is the top performer in the Innovation Index of New Zealand, according to research involving IBM and the University of Auckland. In the decade 1998-2008 the All Sector Innovation Index moved from 100 to approximately 108, but the primary sector topped 200. 

Two new dog teams start today at Christchurch airport – doubling the biosecurity detector dog capacity at the airport, says the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Primary Industries Minister David Carter is welcoming a boost to New Zealand's biosecurity frontline with the graduation on Friday of 46 new recruits.

The competition is heating up for the 2013 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Golden Lamb Awards, aka the Glammies.

INVESTMENT IN new dairy conversions could be affected by last minute changes to the Land and Water Forum’s third report, says IrrigationNZ’s chief executive Andrew Curtis.

GLOBAL DAIRY commodity prices continue to rise and fundamentals are supporting a firmer tone across dairy markets as global supply diminishes.

LAST WEEK in the central North Island, there were rumblings, steam rose and an ash cloud covered some farms.

NEW ZEALAND produces the freshest, cleanest milk – fastest, too, according to advertisements. ‘The fastest is the freshest and the freshest tastes the best’ is supported by research using taste panels; few people like the taste of milk as it sours.

OLYMPIC ROWING gold medal winner Mahe Drysdale will be among a line-up of high-calibre speakers to the Dairy Women Network’s conference in Nelson in March where discussions will include the rural/urban divide, environmental constraints and developing future leaders.

CONVERTING A corner of a large-scale Southland sheep and beef unit to dairy has made the whole business more sustainable, say Andrew and Heather Tripp.