OPINION: The year was 2020, the month was January, and an article in this esteemed publication suggested "a new thought for the New Year - New Zealand 'Generative Agriculture'... or New-Gen, for short".

OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.

{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Queenstown to Host Sold-Out New Zealand Apple and Pear Conference", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Staff Reporters" }, "datePublished": "2026-07-08T08:55", "image": "https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/media/k2/items/cache/d0a1138ab02abf94dce1d09127c41869_L.jpg", "articleBody": "More than 300 growers, exporters, researchers, service providers and industry leaders will descend on Queenstown later this month for EXPO 2026, the annual conference for New Zealand’s apple and pear sector.\n\t \n\t \t \t \n\t \n\t \t\nThe sold-out event at QT Hotel on July 22–23, brings together the people, businesses and organisations that drive New Zealand's $1.26 billion dollar apple and pear industry.\nThe conference provides a valuable opportunity to connect, share knowledge and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry's future.\nThis year's event features an expanded EXPO format, with a strong focus on networking, technology, innovation and practical business insights. Growers will be able to engage directly with suppliers, explore the latest technologies, products and services, and view machinery demonstrations in one convenient location.\nComplementing the exhibition are specialist and technical sessions delivered across the two days, covering topics ranging from orchard profitability and productivity to trade agreements, the future of market access, policy, politics, domestic and international research experts and the sectors long-term growth ambitions.\n \n\n\n \nSpeaker highlights include Minister…

37 farmers from across the Rangitīkei and Manawatū regions recently spent a day-and-a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank’s latest AgPathways Programmes in Whanganui.

Seven catchment groups across New Zealand have been awarded $10,000 grants as part of the Westpac Water Care Project.

Equine veterinarians say horse owners need to stay alert and communicate with their vets following an outbreak of the highly contagious bacterial disease Strangles in the North Island.

Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says advocacy group Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has submitted against a controversial bill without consulting its members.

Kāpiti's Triple Cream Blue cheese has been named Supreme Champion Cheese at the 2026 International Cheese and Dairy Awards in the United Kingdom.

Two Canadian spraying experts, Tom Wolf and Jason Deveau, are visiting New Zealand in early August to ensure that arable growers are hitting the target with this key piece of equipment.

A warning to all those in the primary sector to prepare for an unpredictable El Niño weather pattern in the coming season.