Latest from WC - Rural (inactive)

Bumper year for apple growers

A vintage spring and summer growing season means the New Zealand apple industry is harvesting some of the largest, tastiest fruit for many years.

Economy improves but rate rise likely

The economy is starting to hit its straps and no longer needs support from record low interest rates, writes Westpac senior economist Anne Boniface

Optimism as Psa's impact softens

Gold kiwifruit volumes are expected to be up 20 to 30 per cent on last season and will increase further next year.

Active start to summer

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.

Tax changes on their way for dairy farmers

The offal pit: Hook, line & sinker

Honey shortage looms

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.

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.

Pest control for primary industries

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.

ECan proposals cause anxiety for farmers

International Year of Family Farm

New Zealand exporters stand to benefit from TPP agreements

National wilding conifers controls

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.