South Island dairy production lifts despite stormy summer, feed risks loom
South Island dairy production is up on last year despite an unusually wet, dull and stormy summer, says DairyNZ lower South Island regional manager Jared Stockman.
» Featured
Side-by-Side gully roll prompts new farm Safety Alert from Safer Farms
Following a side-by-side rolling into a gully, Safer Farms has issued a new Safety Alert.
NZ farm machinery market shows strong recovery with 10% lift in 2025
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
Recycled gloves – a better option for vets, farmers
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
ACC backs young farmers with FMG Young Farmer of the Year partnership
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
Massey University seeks veterinary practices to train next generation of vets
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
National
Environment Southland seeks feedback on flood control and navigation safety bylaws
Environment Southland is inviting feedback on two bylaws that play a critical role in safeguarding the region's waterways and ensuring the safety of the local community.
Southland enters status 2 water shortage amid dry conditions
While the North Island is inundated with rain, Southland is facing receding water levels as warm weather and lack of rainfall continues.
Top shearers set for fast-paced speed shearing at Southern Field Days
Organisers are expecting another full field of 40 of the country’s top shearers for the popular Speed Shearing event at this year’s Southern Field Days at Waimumu.
Southern Field Days Innovation Awards back proven winners
The Southern Field Days Innovation Awards have a great record in picking winners and the winner of the 2024 event will be putting up a display to support the event at this year’s show.
World
Nestle reportedly withdraws from methane accord
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows…
NZ–Canada dairy trade dispute resolved
The long running trade dispute between NZ and Canada appears to be over.Europe’s largest dairy co-operative to launch in 2026 as Arla Foods and DMK merge
The creation of Europe's largest dairy co-operative should be complete by early 2026.Young Aussie farmers gain global insights on study tour to Ireland
Twenty four young farmers from South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania have returned from a recent study tour of Ireland…Lactalis in front to acquire Fonterra’s Australian dairy assets after ACCC clearance
The world's largest dairy company may be in pole position to acquire Fonterra's Australian assets.Opinion
Farm Succession Planning: Tough conversations every sheep & beef farmer must have
OPINION: After a very good farming year and a few bucks back in the tin, farmers will be remiss not…
Subsidies keeping wind, solar generation viable
OPINION: I recently wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister because at a recent Federated Farmers meeting, Chris Luxon told…New year, fresh start
OPINION: I trust this finds all things well at your place.Who is Gen Z?
OPINION: It's pretty easy to poke fun at Generation Z.Editorial: Fireworks or damp squib?
OPINION: November 7 has been set by Christopher Luxon as ‘E day’ – election day.Agribusiness
Massey University seeks veterinary practices to train next generation of vets
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is…
Fonterra opens organic milk supply to South Island dairy farmers
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.Nedap launches standalone operation in New Zealand
With collars on more than seven million cows worldwide, Nedap says its standalone launch into New Zealand represents world-leading, reliable…MIA launches 2026 Red Meat Sector Dragon’s Den for innovative ideas
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) is once again looking for game-changing ideas for New Zealand's red meat processing and exporting…Registrations open for 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic supporting Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the…Management
Breeding Ewe Hoggets: Key tips for maximising lamb survival and farm profitability
With lamb prices at record highs, many farmers are considering breeding their ewe hoggets for the first time.
Come and chat to the DairyNZ team
DairyNZ's team is looking forward to catching up with Southland and Otago dairy farmers at the Southern Field Days in Waimumu near Gore next month.
Virtual fencing and herding available to Australian farmers
The way we manage livestock is constantly changing, and the advent of virtual fencing and herding technologies represents a significant advance for pasture-based dairy farming, offering flexibility, efficiency, and improved animal welfare.
Soil, pasture health powers success
With the pressure of winter and spring behind us, and the groundwork laid, now is a good time for many farmers to pause, check progress against plan, and think ahead to ensure resilience for whatever summer and autumn may bring.
New Zealand native tree study strengthens Bioeconomy Science Institute’s forestry leadership
A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute's position as a forestry research leader.
Farm Health
Recycled gloves – a better option for vets, farmers
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
Early zinc prevention key as farmers prepare for Facial Eczema season
As we move towards the warmer, more humid months, farmers across New Zealand are already preparing for the annual challenge of facial eczema (FE).
Herd improvement through teamwork
A question many farmers ask themselves each year is: do we select individual bulls or take the team approach?
Technology driving a new era of animal welfare monitoring in New Zealand dairy farming
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Beef Progeny Test strengthens NZ beef genetics
Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.
Machinery & Products
NZ farm machinery market shows strong recovery with 10% lift in 2025
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
CF MOTO launches first electric UTV in NZ
With the rising interest in alternative fuels, it’s no surprise that manufacturers of ATVs and side-by-side vehicles are introducing alternative power solutions into their ranges.
RAM Trucks NZ tops large pickup sales for 10th year
RAM Trucks NZ continues to claim dominance, ending 2025 as the top-selling large pickup truck in NZ, its tenth consecutive year as top dog.
Norwood opens new Tasman dealership
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.
Erth Engineering launches PanBuster for effective grassland compaction relief
In Grassland, compaction starts at the surface and builds progressively deeper, causing poorer water transfer, more anaerobic activity and shallower rooting, leading to less grass, less palatability, pugging and reduced access to livestock and machinery.
Motoring
Kia Tasman ute launches in NZ
Stepping into the already crowded ute market, it’s important to bring your best game. Kia look to have done just…
Ford's new addition
Ford New Zealand has announced the addition of the Everest Tremor as a rugged and capable expansion of its hugely…Jimny goes 5-door
Fifty years ago, Suzuki was a pioneer in developing a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with fourwheel drive capability and…Big tick for a big truck
Electric cars and big American trucks can both bring a little anxiety, but for different reasons.RAM hits 20K!
In a market dominated by utes, Ram Trucks Australia has just put the finishing touches on its 20,000th right-hand drive…» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Realpolitik!
OPINION: Meanwhile, red blooded Northland politician Matua Shane Jones has provided one of the most telling quotes of the year…
The Kiwi way
OPINION: This old mutt has been around for a few years now and it seems these ‘once in 100-year’ weather…
Milking It
No show
OPINION: There will be no cows at Europe's largest agricultural show in Paris this year for the first time ever…
More cows, less barley
OPINION: Canterbury grows most of the country's wheat, barley and oat crops. But persistently low wheat prices, coupled with a…
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Popular Reads
Environment Canterbury urges buyers to check wastewater systems on rural properties
Buying or building a rural or semi-rural property? Make sure you know where the wastewater goes, says Environment Canterbury.
China’s new beef tariffs expected to favour New Zealand exporters
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Southland enters status 2 water shortage amid dry conditions
While the North Island is inundated with rain, Southland is facing receding water levels as warm weather and lack of rainfall…
