Australian agriculture has almost limitless potential according to a landmark white paper on agricultural competitiveness released at the beginning of July. 

Last month more than 150 agricultural contractors from all around the country gathered in Blenheim for the Rural Contractors New Zealand’s (RCNZ) annual conference.

Two international events will take our attention this year: the TPP negotiations and the climate change summit in Paris in November.

Australian farmers can look forward to a A$1.2 billion boost to farm incomes and more drought assistance as part of the recently released Federal Government’s long awaited agricultural competitiveness white paper.

By 2026 New Zealand livestock will be TB free and by 2046 the disease should be gone for good, if a new plan under consultation comes to fruition. And it’s actually going to cost less in TB targeted levies and rates.

The first-ever warning to a sheep and beef farmer on exceeding nitrogen caps shows that Overseer is a “blunt instrument”, says Rick Powdrell, Federated Farmers meat and fibre chair.

Holding on to stock longer after a drought in the hope they would reach higher weights contributed to a Taupo farmer becoming the first sheep and beef farmer warned by the Waikato Regional Council for breaching nitrogen caps.

After 15 days and six hours at sea, the MV Nada berthed in Manzanillo – located on the Pacific Ocean and one of the busiest ports in Mexico – in late June and 45,110 breeding ewes and 3224 cattle sourced from New Zealand were unloaded and quarantined on ‘quality’ Mexican pastures.

It may not be a drought breaker, but home baked biscuits have strengthened the resolve of drought-stricken North Canterbury farmers.

Hard work does pay off, says Matt Bell (28), who won the 27th Young Farmer of the Year contest.