Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.

The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.

With the pressure of winter and spring behind us, and the groundwork laid, now is a good time for many farmers to pause, check progress against plan, and think ahead to ensure resilience for whatever summer and autumn may bring.

OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.

New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).

Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.

Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.

The year was marked by “progress, collaboration and reflection” in biosecurity, says New Zealand Winegrowers Biosecurity Advisor Jim Herdman.

Te Kano Winemaker Dave Sutton, Chair of Waitaki Valley Winegrowers, looks back.

Carolyn Murray, general manager of Central Otago Winegrowers Association, says collaboration remains Central Otago's secret weapon.