Rural and farming news
The new crop that's puzzling locals
Even seasoned horticulturalists don't recognise the young trees.
Government rug-pull postpones vote on Otago’s proposed land and water regional plan
The change left council members and farmers across Otago grappling with the implications.
Council opts for most expensive option for Southland Museum
A public mood of “just get on and do it”, says councillor.
Watch: Aerial footage shows extent of growing Waikato wetland fire
Firefighters were alerted to the blaze off Island Block Rd about 1.15pm on Monday.
Gallagher Group eyes Brazil's vast ranches in new South American market move
Demand for precision farming support offers 'enormous potential for growth'.
Death of rare frogs linked to Brynderwyns roading work
Native frogs were endangered by concrete used in the upgrade, a report says.
Dairy farming
Theo Spierings, former Fonterra CEO, dies after a brief illness
A statement confirmed his death in the Netherlands.
Canada ‘very disappointed’ by NZ decision to escalate dairy battle
Canada's Trade Minister has responded to New Zealand's decision to ramp up action.
Why Grant Watson is leaving Synlait
Grant Watson explains why he is leaving a newly recapitalised Synlait Milk.
The Country Radio Show
The PM ponders RMA reform on The Country
Christopher Luxon, Tracy Brown, Kara Biggs, Laura Koot, Angus Gidley-Baird.
DairyNZ AGM: Outgoing chairman Jim van der Poel farewelled and new directors congratulated
Sponsored content: DairyNZ celebrated 'fabulous contribution Jim’s made to the sector'.
Laura Koot: A great example of what it means to be Farmstrong
Sponsored content: Laura Koot is part of the Farmstrong supporters’ network.
The Country: Why wool producers should work together
Craig Smith, Mark Patterson, Farmer Tom Martin, Ray Roberts.
Labour weekend weather with Phil Duncan
Phil Duncan, Nigel Woodhead, Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Emma Rowe, Grant Watson, Jason Pine.
How Kiwi dairy farmers can help the world
Opinion: Dairy can help New Zealand, and the world, reach its biodiversity targets.
Premium
Can a lamb be shorn every 37 seconds for nine hours?
The world solo 9hrs lambshearing record is 872 – now there's a challenger.
Gallagher Group eyes Brazil's vast ranches in new South American market move
Demand for precision farming support offers 'enormous potential for growth'.
Trap maker unleashes AI in the war against possums
The AI-powered traps can accurately distinguish between target and non-target species.
Four government departments spend more on consultants in a financial year after order to cut back
The Government has directed agencies to reduce reliance on contractors and consultants.
Kiwifruit infrastructure sector needs market signals to invest more: Seeka boss
A million-tray cool store can cost around $25m so market guidance is vital.
Canada ‘very disappointed’ by NZ decision to escalate dairy battle
Canada's Trade Minister has responded to New Zealand's decision to ramp up action.
Horticulture
The new crop that's puzzling locals
Even seasoned horticulturalists don't recognise the young trees.
NZ apple and pear revenue hits $2 billion
Future growth dependent on supportive economic and regulatory conditions.
Sheep and beef
Gallagher Group eyes Brazil's vast ranches in new South American market move
Demand for precision farming support offers 'enormous potential for growth'.
Understanding the risk of facial eczema
A new three-year study is under way to understand the risk of facial eczema on-farm.
Growing Future Farmers needs more farm trainers
Growing Future Farmers has 131 applications instead of the projected 80 placements.
Technology
How seaweed can help reduce methane emissions
Whole Asparagopsis seaweed cuts cattle methane by 95.6%, outperforming bromoform.
Cow mastitis invention wins big
Mastitis is a costly disease where udder tissue becomes inflamed, often due to bacteria.
Rural business
Rabobank tips an OCR of 3.25% in July next year, with 'risks' to forecast
The effect of interest rate cuts is likely to be felt quicker than previously.
How seaweed can help reduce methane emissions
Whole Asparagopsis seaweed cuts cattle methane by 95.6%, outperforming bromoform.
Gallagher Group eyes Brazil's vast ranches in new South American market move
Demand for precision farming support offers 'enormous potential for growth'.
Rural life
Council opts for most expensive option for Southland Museum
A public mood of “just get on and do it”, says councillor.
HortNZ scholarship programmes open for 2025
Programme focused on supporting next generation of innovators and leaders in the sector.
Saddle up, rodeo is coming back to the Bay
Start planning your cowboy outfits as the national circuit rodeo makes it back to the bay.