Crops across a swath of Canterbury’s arable heartland have been damaged or lost to a couple of hailstorms which swept up the South Island’s east coast late last month.

Feed shortages happen every summer. Ian Williams, Pioneer forage specialist explains some options to fill the feed gap.

LIC national FarmWise manager, Edward Hardie on the decisions dairy farmers need to make now for a good summer.

Prolonged drought in Australia and a downturn in agriculture in the US and Ukraine are affecting the European farm machinery sector.

While winter feed crops are crucial in Simon O’Meara’s farm system, the West Otago sheep and beef farmer is making changes to cut their damage to the environment.

Farmers are bracing for a major animal rights campaign against their winter grazing practices.

“Wet and muddy winter conditions increase the risks to the welfare of livestock,” says Kate Littin, Ministry for Primary Industries manager animal welfare.

A recent survey has highlighted the important role of the Rural Trust Support during natural disasters.

With winter setting in, farmers are being reminded to keep an eye on animal welfare.

Most of New Zealand has just been through yet another long dry spell which has translated to poor feed supply and quality for both the girls in herd and R2’s arriving home.