People-first philosophy pays off
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
» Featured
Farmer anger over Joy's social media post
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
Editorial: Rural sector deserves better
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
From Nelson to Dairy Research: Amy Toughey’s Journey
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
Fish & Game NZ appoints joint CEO to guide reforms
The New Zealand Fish & Game Council has announced a leadership change in an effort to provide strategic direction for the sector and support the implementation of proposed legislative changes.
AgFirst marks 30 years of agribusiness advice
AgFirst, New Zealand's largest independent agribusiness consultancy, is turning 30 - celebrating three decades of "trusted advice, practical solutions, and innovative thinking".
National
Rural NZ faces shift as copper network deregulation looms
Rural communities say support is required to shift away from the copper network that has been the only source of internet connection for some parts of rural New Zealand.
Open Country finalises acquisition of Miraka Limited
Open Country Dairy has finalised a deal to acquire 100% of Miraka.
Chris Lewis ready for another term
After serving three as a DairyNZ director, Waikato farmer Chris Lewis is ready for another term.
DairyNZ announces 2026 milksolids levy vote dates
DairyNZ has announced the date for its six-yearly Milksolids Levy vote, which will take place from Monday, 16 February to Friday, 13 March 2026.
World
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.UK removes tariffs on US ethanol, alarming farmers
While Donald Trump seems to deliver a new tariff every few days, there seems to be an endless stream of…Opinion
A jewel in dairy's crown
OPINION: Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how much our farms and farming systems have changed.
Editorial: Rural sector deserves better
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.'Leaving Paris' not a good idea
OPINION: "Get us out of Paris” has achieved resonance and volume as a cry to save farming.Editorial: Export target dilemma
OPINION: Productive whole farmlands conversions into forestry are becoming a thorny issue for the Government.Markets resilient, farmers hopeful
OPINION: The global dairy market continues to show resilience, and farmers remain cautiously optimistic as we move into the latter…Agribusiness
Secure your maize now, don't wait for the scramble
I recently had the pleasure of attending an AgFirst event in Hamilton where the results of the 2024-25 Waikato-Bay of…
40,000 meals donated as NZFN marks fifth anniversary
The New Zealand Food Network's (NZFN) fifth birthday celebrations have been boosted by a whopping five tonne meat donation from…Scales declares strong first half performance
Scales Corporation has today reported its results for the first half of the 2025 financial year, revealing what it says…PGG Wrightson declares dividend as profits surge 248%
Agricultural support giant PGG Wrightson will pay a dividend this year on the back of an improved performance buoyed by…Two milk processing plants changing hands
Two large milk processing plants in New Zealand are changing hands.Management
People-first philosophy pays off
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
Tag and applicator a winner
Tagging thousands of new-born lambs at docking takes precision and tag technology that handles the volume at a good pace.
Farmers and catchment groups leading the next wave of freshwater restoration
From nitrogen limits to ecosystem restoration –farmers and catchment groups are leading a new wave of environmental care, says DairyNZ.
EPA approves biological controls for noxious weed
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a rust fungus and a flower weevil to control Darwin’s barberry, a spiny invasive shrub.
Farm Health
Why our future depends on taking biosecurity seriously
OPINION: When it comes to biosecurity, we often hear about the end of a response, but it’s the beginning that helps determine our success.
Choosing farming over the classroom pays off
It took a stint at university to remind Otago dairy farmer Megan Morrison that being stuck in a classroom was not for her.
Strong farmer uptake for Beef + Lamb NZ’s new nProve Beef genetics tool
Beef + Lamb New Zealand says it is seeing strong farmer interest in its newly launched nProve Beef genetics tool, with early feedback and usage insights confirming its value in helping farmers make better breeding decisions and drive genetic improvement in New Zealand's beef herd.
Probiotics deliver fertility and SCC wins for Milton dairy farmer
Milton dairy farmer Chris Wills says he began using probiotics in spring 2023 to address somatic cell count (SCC) grades when cows transitioned from their winter barn to lush spring pasture.
Reproduction starts in the liver
The liver doesn't often get the attention it deserves.
Machinery & Products
Meeting the need for key minerals
For upcoming weaning and mating, there will be a need for key minerals in calves and cows.
Tata Motors acquires Iveco Group in €3.8 billion deal
India's Tata Motors is taking over the Italian- headquartered Iveco Group for a reported €3.8 billion (NZ$ 7.45 billion), with the purchase including FPT Industrial (Fiat Power Trains), which builds engines, powertrains and front axles for tractors and other agricultural and construction machines.
Giltrap Agrizone customers tour New Holland factories in Europe
A group of eight Giltrap Agrizone customers travelled to Europe in July with managing director Andrew Giltrap, taking the opportunity to visit St Valentin, Austria, to see New Holland tractors being built.
Forage harvesters with better chop quality and efficiency
Claas has announced the arrival of its new Jaguar 1000 series forage harvesters, taking power delivery beyond 1100hp, aimed at achieving 20% more throughput, better chop quality, greater efficiency and more operator comfort.
Stoll unveils first ISOBUS-integrated front-end loader
Stoll appears to have become the first frontend loader manufacturer to address the question of ISOBUS for front-end loaders, by designing a new valve configuration for the existing ProfiLine layout that integrates with the Aux N, Tech U and VT channels on an ISOBUS-equipped tractor.
Motoring
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…Fastest, most powerful Ram
RAM distributor Ateco has always made the point that they sell trucks that eat Utes for breakfast.» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Milking It
Farmers' call
OPINION: Fonterra's $4.22 billion consumer business sale to Lactalis is ruffling a few feathers outside the dairy industry.
Wasted energy
OPINION: Finance Minister Nicola Willis could have saved her staff and MBIE time and effort over ‘buttergate’ recently by not…
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Massey Ferguson launches new MF 5M Series tractors
Massey Ferguson has announced the introduction of the MF 5M Series, offered over six horsepower steps from 95 maximum hp,…
Two milk processing plants changing hands
Two large milk processing plants in New Zealand are changing hands.
Urgent action needed to restore Waikato lakes' health
Waikato is home to a diverse range of lakes, and experts say they urgently need better management and restoration.
