An iconic agricultural figure – shearer David Fagan – is now Sir David.

A man who has devoted virtually all his working life to the collection of statistics about the sheep and beef industry has been recognised in the New Year's honours.

"Everyone's trying all sorts of combinations to get through" is how Cheviot's Emmet Daly describes North Canterbury farmers' efforts to cope with their sixth season of drought.

Cow lameness is a painful condition. As farm systems change, farm sizes grow and herd numbers expand, lameness is an increasing concern on New Zealand farms.

Tractors, luv 'em or hate them, one thing is for sure - life on the farm would be hard without them.

When asked how well New Zealand wines stacked up at this year's Air New Zealand Wine Awards, Ronny Lau's attention automatically turns to white wines and vineyard experiments.

As we enjoy the warmth of spring, wine growers everywhere will be turning their thoughts towards the growing season, and water availability will surely be high on the discussion list.

Following hard on the heels of the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration, Gisborne will host the country's first Chardonnay and Sparkling Wine Symposium.

Those entrants who used their summer holiday to prepare for the 2016 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards could have an advantage, as activity gears up in this year's competitions.

El Nino will still be the main climate driver for the next three months or perhaps even longer despite recent rain, says Chris Brandolino, principal scientist forecasting at NIWA.