AgFirst dairy consultant Stacey Belton, Hamilton, has been named the Farmax Emerging Rural Professional of the Year. She beat four other contestants.

A Horizons Regional Council (HRC) report foreshadows a grim future for the economic viability of the primary sector in the region.

Farming today is different from even five years ago, says Ravensdown chief executive Greg Campbell.

The runners-up in the 2017 New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year Award say sooner is better for intending entrants.

New Zealand has been extremely good at farming intensification but that model now has to change, says Landcorp chief executive Steve Carden.

Dairy farmers are taking a strong interest in dung beetles as a potentially important tool for meeting environmental obligations, says Dr Shaun Forgie, of Dung Beetle Innovations.

Floods in April and continuing rain are costing some Bay of Plenty farmers up to $700 per cow to repair damage and buy extra feed.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is still assessing the likely means of entry of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis, following its discovery on two dairy farms in the Morven area near Oamaru.

If elected, Labour’s charge on water for irrigation will be a “small royalty” for all “substantial takes”, says spokesman for water and the environment David Parker.

New Zealand’s biggest co-op Fonterra has been recognised by its peers, winning the 2017 Co-operative Business of the Year title.