Has herbicide resistance led to a breed of super weeds? That was one of the questions being asked at the recent NZW Grape Days.

At the recent Organic and Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference, Dr Charles Merfield from BHU Future Farming Centre, described nitrogen as “the joker in the pack” of 92 elements.

Just where in the world does New Zealand wine stand organically? As Organic Winegrowing New Zealand (OWNZ) heads towards their target of 20 percent of the country’s vineyards being organically certified by 2020, how much do we need to grow?

If there is one issue that has got growers scratching their heads – it is the influx of powdery mildew. Most regions in New Zealand suffered from it this year, some more than others. 

My  family lives in the middle of our vineyard, so the vineyard environment is also our environment, it is also our winery environment, our restaurant and cellar door environment.

We here in Gisborne like to think our seclusion from other regions gives us a sense of intrigue.

First, thanks to all those members who participated in the Governance referendum which was held online between 18 and 29 May.

As farmers and contractors seek more efficiencies, we see average horsepower climbing while implements get wider, longer or heavier. The biggest change in the last decade is the increase in tractor speeds.

Pottinger has introduced upgrades from the large trailed HIT tedder series to smaller 8-rotor models with working widths of up to 8.86m.

Versatile has a good pedigree when it comes to building tractors.