Latest from NA - Rural (inactive)

Work trickles in for contractors after big dry

Bay of Plenty contractors have secured more work after taking a big hit last year because of the drought.

Help save global wool industry

The farmers' wool levy, tossed out in a growers' referendum almost five years ago, will be on the agenda again this year.

Crickets go off the grass

Farmers whose pastures are severely affected by black field crickets will welcome the news that a new endophyte protects host grasses from the pest.

A & P show struggles to attract entries

The prestige of winning a livestock ribbon at the A & P Show has lost its appeal as associations struggle to attract exhibitors.

Doubts over meaning of dairy data

Milk urea (MU) values are now supplied to New Zealand dairy farmers and there is conflicting information in the industry about what the values mean.

Hail leaves trail of woe for orchardists

Some orchards between Napier and Hastings are counting large losses after a hail storm swept through the area a week before Christmas.

Ripe for new markets

How has the growing period been in regards to the size of fruit and yield? And what has affected this?

Trial periods can prove tricky for employers

Employing someone is a big commitment. Many responsibilities come with it and conversely an employer places a lot of reliance and faith in the employee.

Federation brings big changes

Fewer lambs to slaughter

Rural post lobby gets stamp of success

Federated Farmers has successfully lobbied for rural delivery runs, now six days a week but reducing to five days in July next year.

Shared solidarity to boost red meat potential

Sustainable success story

Riparian plan helps dairy station triumph, discovers Carmen Hall.

Migrant hire simplified

Federated Farmers has put together a one-stop-shop to help dairy farmers navigate Immigration New Zealand's work visa and permanent residency processes.

Sheep disease limited as breeding improves

New Zealand's largest red meat genetics company is testing more sheep than ever in an effort to reduce the spread of facial eczema.

New future awaits old farm dams

Hawke's Bay farmer and former regional councillor Ewan McGregor is hoping to gather further national support for his "vision" to turn old farm dams into small wetlands.