Despite great cow and pasture condition in spring, Lincoln University dairy farm’s six-week in-calf rate slumped from 78% last year to 72% this year.

Do you know how docks, thistles and dandelions differ in their ability to regrow? Or from how deep particular weed species germinate? Or what are the alternative hosts for the pests that try to demolish your crops?

Budget 2015 is, I believe, one of the best for the primary sector since National has been in government. 

The Hound knows that the Greens hate farming about as much as they hate cars.

Your old mate notes that for the last few weeks the Australian-owned, controlled and managed so-called NZ Farmer rag has been touting the fact on its front page that it was a finalist in the ‘community newspaper’ category at the recent Canon media awards.

News that China is to allow Brazilian beef back into its markets shouldn’t derail the bull run the New Zealand industry is enjoying, says leading exporter Silver Fern Farms.

Health and safety, along with water, are the two hottest topics with farmers, according to Federated Farmers’ chief executive Graham Smith.

The big open-plan office where many MetService forecasters work is dominated by a huge screen showing weather conditions affecting New Zealand. 

The winner of the 2015 Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Maori sheep and beef is Mangaroa Station owned by Bart and Nukuhia Hadfield.

Raising a family is one of life's great challenges; another is starting a business.