Farmers encouraged to seek support
Flood-affected farmers are being reminded to reach out for help if they need it.
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Pressure from banks no surprise
News that farmers are feeling the pressure from banks is unsurprising.
Banks put screws on farmers
Farmers are feeling the pressure from banks.
From Colyton to UK and back
He could have become a top European Union political advisor or London banker or lawyer — but no.
Semen straws delivered by air to flood-stricken farms
Animal breeding company LIC has made sure semen straws were delivered on time to flood-stricken farmers in the South Island.
Genetics specialist off to US to play rugby
One of the country’s most promising young cattle judges is heading to the US to play professional rugby.
National
The new green gold?
The world avocado market is worth at least $9 billion globally and NZ Avocado is confident supply is increasing, but demand is increasing even more, says chief executive Jen Scoular.
Drought research looks at impacts
A Northland Regional Council scientist and her manager are investigating the differences between – and local implications of – two drought types in Northland.
Farmers in the gun from new laws
Many farmers still don’t realise how they may be affected by the new gun laws, claims Ian Brabbs, president of the North Canterbury Deerstalkers Association.
Helping to bridge the rural-urban divide
The urban rural divide is not just a New Zealand issue.
World
Chinese giant makes Aussie move
Chinese dairy giant Mengniu has become one of Australia’s major dairy processors with a brace of recent purchases.
US milk giant goes bung
America's biggest milk producer, Dean Foods, has filed for bankruptcy and is planning to sell assets.Wood, sugarcane packs for milk
Australia's oldest dairy company will be selling milk and other products in renewable cartons from next month.US exports soar
US dairy exporters keep finding new markets for cheese and dairy ingredients despite facing trade tensions.Irish dairy on enviro radar
The expansion of the dairy industry in Ireland is starting to affect the environmental health of the country’s lakes, rivers…Opinion
Analysis of regenerative ag needed
OPINION: The groundswell supporting the restoring powers of regenerative agriculture is mostly based on examples from overseas.
New farm debt mediation law
Proactive and well-prepared farmers and lenders stand to gain from the introduction of the Farm Debt Mediation scheme, according to…Action needed now — Editorial
OPINION: Houston - or more correctly Wellington – we have a problem.Great, average or poor summer?
LIC national FarmWise manager, Edward Hardie on the decisions dairy farmers need to make now for a good summer.Peace in our time — Editorial
OPINION: Fonterra's annual general meeting earlier this month was mostly a peaceful affair.Agribusiness
Govt approves $80m for Lincoln rebuild
Lincoln University says it is delighted that the Minister of Education has approved $80 million for new science facilities as…
Guiding rural people to better ‘mind health’
Isolation combined with the pressure of running a business from home means some farmers are putting their own wellbeing and…NZ needs a better story
New Zealand needs to do a better job of telling its story in India, said a speaker at a New…Making it OK to ask for help
Meat processing company Alliance has started an employee support programme aimed at getting colleagues to look after each other and…Dairy sheep open day draws huge crowd
300 plus rurals turned up at the fifth annual Spring Sheep Co open day at Matangi near Hamilton.Management
Veteran cleans up prime beef contest
Veteran cattleman John McCrory has set a record while easily dominating this year’s NZ Agricultural Show Prime Beef competition.
Contract milking offers opportunities
Contract milking is a good introduction to self-employment, says Northland AgFirst consultant Kim Robinson.
Shed upgrade cuts milking time
Matamata goat farmers Wiebe and Piety Smitstra have retrofitted their goat milking shed with a GEA WestfaliaSurge low line double-up herringbone system.
Summer feed options
Feed shortages happen every summer. Ian Williams, Pioneer forage specialist explains some options to fill the feed gap.
Boomer year for OAD farmers
A leading once a day (OAD) farmer says her farm is set to have a record year thanks to a combination of favourable circumstances – especially the weather.
Farm Health
Pig virus on the march
A new report warns that a virus decimating parts of the global pork industry could spread to more countries next year.
Facial eczema – the hidden killer
Most of the damage caused by facial eczema (FE) is subclinical (no obvious external signs) and goes unnoticed until it’s too late, comments Agritrade.
Big drop in sheep measles
A big drop in sheep measles prevalence has occurred during the past 12 months.
Getting on top of a lousy problem
For strong wool sheep, lice infection is a nuisance more than a hefty financial cost. But, for fine wool sheep the financial toll is much greater.
$100k annual cost for dairy farmers
Dairy facial eczema (FE) can cost farmers at least $100,000 each year in lost milk production, a recent study has found.
Machinery & Products
Air drill offers speed and capacity
The German manufacturer Amazone claims its new Precea precision air-seeder is accurate and user-friendly even at operating speeds of up to 20 km/h.
Another reason not to leave the cab
Trelleborg Wheel Systems and Dana Inc have jointly developed a revolutionary central tire inflation (CTIS) system for farm machines.
Claas Xerion gets on track
Claas has introduced crawler tracks, Stage V engines and the next generation CEBIS operating system to its advanced technology Xerion tractors.
Big wins for New Holland
New Holland Agriculture received two accolades at the recent Agritechnica 2019 agri show -- the world’s largest -- in Hanover, Germany.
Gong for MF’s mid-range tractor
The Massey Ferguson MF 6700 S Stage V series has won the Agritechnica Machine of the Year Award in the mid-power tractor category.
» The RNG Weather Report
Motoring
Navara’s mid-life make over
Midway through its product life cycle the Nissan Navara has had a cosmetic makeover and some upgraded technology.
Colorado gets enhanced content
The Holden Colorado Z71 will be seen with new features when the 2020 model arrives at dealerships in November.New entry level model for Hilux
Toyota New Zealand has broadened its Hilux range with a new entry level two-wheel drive, the WorkMate, aimed at buyers…New wagon a little different
Subaru's latest SUV offering fills a need for drivers looking for something smaller and a little more potent than your…Hilux ups the ante on safety
Toyota has raised the safety benchmark at grassroots level by introducing its Toyota Safety Sense Package on its hugely popular…» The RNG Weather Report
» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Useless
The Hound notes that one of the country’s poorest financially performing state-owned enterprises – the Government farming entity Landcorp (or…
Rural revolt
Your old mate hears that the antics of the Government – especially the NZ First component – are fuelling motivation…
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Popular Reads
Fonterra executive resigns
A Fonterra executive has announced her resignation, nine months after joining the co-op.
Keeping ketosis away from goats
Ketosis in any of its forms can lead to sudden and catastrophic loss levels at kidding time.
Investors dump Fonterra shares
Fonterra's poor performance is driving institutional investors away from the co-op.
Rural Life
Mechanisation new for the US
The impetus behind developing the Klima stripper back in 2007 was a continual lack of labour during the pruning season.
New machinery for the vineyard
Mark Daniel on what's new in machinery for the vineyard.
New Holland launches Braud 9000 series grape harvesters
New Holland Agriculture has introduced the new Braud 9000 series to its portfolio of self-propelled grape harvesters, with the 9090L…