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.

Matt Barbour of Barbour Vineyards is Chair of the North Canterbury Winegrowers Association and a true champion of the region.

Recently named Farm Machine of the Year 2026 in the forage and harvesting category at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, the arrival of the Krone BiG Pack HDP II 1290 Gen 6, is being touted as a major leap forward in baling technology for New Zealand farmers and contractors.

Complementing its existing portfolio of agricultural machinery brands, which includes Grange Machinery, Horsch, Novag, Manitou and MacDon, Ashburton-headquartered Carrfields has been appointed as distributors for Stocks Ag, best known for its applicators and seeders.