Early drought fears ease in Hawke’s Bay, but caution remains
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.
» Featured
Consent Rollovers and $13b Savings: What the new RMA bills could mean
There was much theatre in the Beehive before the Government's new Resource Management Act (RMA) reform bills were introduced into Parliament last week.
Will big be better?
The government has unveiled yet another move which it claims will unlock the potential of the country’s cities and region.
Primary sector future hailed
The government is hailing the news that food and fibre exports are predicted to reach a record $62 billion in the next year.
Glut in global milk supply keeping prices down
The final Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction has delivered bad news for dairy farmers.
Farmers and industry leaders respond to new RMA replacement legislation
One person intimately involved in the new legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) is the outgoing chief executive of the Ministry for the Environment, James Palmer, who's also worked in local government.
National
NZ horticulture exports projected to rise to $9.2 billion by 2026
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
Rural bias?
OPINION: After years of ever-worsening results from our education system, the startling results from a maths acceleration programme stood out like a dog’s proverbials – the trial producing gains of one full year in just 12-weeks.
NZ food & fibre exports to reach record $62b by 2026
New Zealand's primary sector is set to reach a record $62 billion in food and fibre exports next year.
Fonterra shareholders watch performance after sale
Fonterra shareholders say they will be keeping an eye on their co-operative's performance after the sale of its consumer businesses.
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The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows…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
We must keep our foot on the pedal
OPINION: Last week marked a major step forward in our work to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis.
The dirt on soil: Why healthy soil matters
OPINION: Every year, December 5 marks World Soil Day. This date wasn’t chosen at random, it’s the birthday of the…Conferences – the goal is always progress
OPINION: Farmers, rural professionals and scientists were together last month in Hamilton, discussing hot topics for the land-based primary sector…Our heifers don’t deserve the climate blame
OPINION: Among the many satisfying jobs on the farm is shifting our Angus heifers onto fresh pasture. They love it. Tails…Editorial: Local govt overhaul
OPINION: The latest reforms of local government should come as no surprise.Agribusiness
Glut in global milk supply keeping prices down
The final Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction has delivered bad news for dairy farmers.
Three new grower directors appointed to FAR board
Effective from 1 January 2026, there will be three new grower directors on the board of the Foundation for Arable…Solid start to Fonterra's financial year
Fonterra's 2025/26 financial year is off to a strong start, with a first quarter group profit after tax of $278 million-…Youth take centre stage at East Coast Farming Expo 2026
There's a special sort of energy at the East Coast Farming Expo, especially when it comes to youth.Fonterra Edendale site wins Mars Dairy Supplier Quality Award
Fonterra Edendale has been recognised with the Mars Dairy Supplier Quality Award for the top performing supplier sites in the…Management
Hitting heifer liveweight targets
Early December marks a key transition for many dairy farmers, as weaned replacement heifers head off-farm to grazing.
Waireka Research Station leads biodiversity restoration in New Plymouth
For more than 50 years, Waireka Research Station at New Plymouth has been a hub for globally important trials of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides, carried out on 16ha of orderly flat plots hedged for protection against the strong winds that sweep in from New Zealand’s west coast.
Having an eye for evaluating stock condition
I wrote an article titled ‘The Basics of Grazing’ in the May 6th issue of Rural News, with a follow-up on July 1st about stock handling, and now I’m continuing the theme with a discussion on assessing stock condition.
Canterbury Jersey Farm leads sustainable, efficient dairying
A Canterbury family farm is proving how Jerseys, innovation and strong breed commitment are shaping the next generation of sustainable, efficient dairy farming in New Zealand.
Wool training reaches Chatham Islands
Next month, wool training will reach one of New Zealand's most remote communities, the Chatham Islands - bringing hands-on skills and industry connection to locals eager to step into the wool harvesting sector.
Farm Health
Ashburton dairy farmers reinvent their system with return to spring calving
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
Reducing Cow Heat Stress: The Waikato farmer who planted for productivity
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.
Sheep Measles Spike: Farmers urged to strengthen control measures
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
How to prevent pneumonia in lambs at weaning
With weaning soon to get underway, some simple management strategies can help prevent the economic losses associated with pneumonia and pleurisy.
NZVA urges animal owners to help fight antibiotic resistance through preventative care
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
Machinery & Products
Case IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler Upgrades
Case IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing productivity.
How to Improve Milking Efficiency in Swing-Over Herringbone Sheds
The swing-over herringbone is the most common dairy type in New Zealand, used on 69% of dairy farms. Simple changes save seconds per cow, and that quickly adds up.
New Case IH Puma series debuts with improved design & precision tech
Case IH used Agritechnica to reveal its new Puma series tractor, featuring what it claims is an entirely new vehicle design, which allows operators to enjoy a smoother ride with superior manoeuvrability, alongside the latest precision technology.
New Holland unveils “Il Trattore” concept at Agritechnica
Creating a great deal of enthusiasm at Agritechnica, the T5.120 ‘Il Trattore’ styling concept tractor was celebrating the legacy of research and development, engineering, and design expertise, with the concept bearing a striking green and red colouring and styling inspired by the original first Fiat tractor, the Fiat 702 and the ‘Made in Italy’ logo.
Deutz-Fahr unveils all-new 8 series tractor range at Agritechnica
Agritechnica was the launchpad for several “new” tractors, most reworks of existing models, but Deutz Fahr ‘s new 8 Series was the result of a clean sheet, with the manufacturer using multiple superlatives such as a ‘Step into the Future and Age of the Titans’.
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
Yes, Minister!
OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
Two-legged pests
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…
Milking It
Trump's tariffs
President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports into the US is doing good things for global trade, according…
Tanker on the roll
Seen a giant cheese roll rolling along Southland’s roads?
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Popular Reads
Open Country opens butter plant
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give…
MPI launches industry-wide project to manage feral deer
An industry-wide project led by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is underway to deal with the rising number of feral…
Waituna Lagoon consent puts farms at risk, Federated Farmers Say
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad…
