Lydia O’Dowd of Southern Woods nursery in Rolleston was named the 2023 Young Plant Producer last week at an awards dinner in Christchurch.

Some farmers are taking on additional work off farm to keep up with rising interest costs, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.

Agricultural contracting throws up many challenges – not least getting the job done, breakdowns, bad weather and finding suitable and committed staff.

Fonterra is splashing out $700 million to improve its manufacturing operations and supply chain emissions footprint.

An appeal to address the urban/rural divide was made at the opening day of the recently held Rural Contractors NZ conference in Invercargill.

OPINION: Last month I stood with farmers and industry leaders on farms in Canterbury and the Wairarapa to launch the Farm Without Harm strategy.

Dairy

A new white paper by agricultural banking specialist Rabobank says a holistic approach targeting improved emissions efficiency and supporting increased food production is key to balancing New Zealand's competing environmental, economic and social priorities.

Planning is already underway to make exporters aware of the opportunities of the recently signed free trade agreement between NZ and the EU.

New Zealand's first female FMG Young Farmer of the Year recipient Emma Poole hopes to be an inspiration for other women in the sector.