Volumes ease but results still robust
Data released this week by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) shows there were 50 fewer farm sales for the three months ended May 2022 than for the same period in 2021.
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2022 Regional Supreme Winners named in Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards
Shirley-Ann and Rick Mannering have been named 2022 Regional Supreme Winners in the Auckland Balance Farm Environment Awards.
Young Ahu farmer finalists found
The finalists in the 2022 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award for sheep and beef were recently announced.
NZ/EU trade deal on a knife edge
NZ is on the brink of scoring an historic and crucial free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU).
Govt continues support for Buller flood recovery
The Government is continuing its support of the Buller district in its recovery from severe flooding over the last year, Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today during a visit with local leadership.
Kate Acland appointed deputy chair of B+LNZ board
Kate Acland, Northern South Island Director, has been appointed as deputy chair of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) board.
National
'Black diamonds' in the rough of unproductive land?
A Bay of Plenty truffle company is sharing the secrets of the industry in a bid to get landowners growing ‘black diamonds’ across the country.
Rural and provincial councils call on Govt to better align reforms
New Zealand’s Rural and Provincial Councils are calling on the Government to slow reforms.
NZ red meat representatives are off to Europe
New Zealand red meat sector leaders head to Brussels this week as negotiations between the European Union (EU) and New Zealand for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) enter a critical stage.
Controversial changes for pigs
A controversial new welfare draft code is triggering vigorous debate between pig farmers and animal welfare advocated as to what the best path forward is.
World
New Aussie ag minister
Australian farmers hope that the new Labor Government will help ease chronic worker shortages crippling the agriculture sector.
FAO distributes seed potatoes to Ukrainian rural families
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has distributed seed potato kits to 17,740 Ukrainian households from…Arla joins trials to reduce emissions
European dairy co-operative Arla Foods has become the second global milk processor to trial the methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer.EU co-op to trial methane reducing feed additive
European dairy co-operative FrieslandCampina is trialling a feed additive that is said to reduce methane emissions from cows by 30%.Arla beats Covid, posts solid result
European co-operative Arla Food reported a solid performance in 2021 despite continued disruptions from the pandemic and high inflation.Opinion
Beware of politicians and their plans!
OPINION: Back in the early '90s, I felt privileged to be invited to visit the Republic of Nauru. With a…
Editorial: Hobson's choice!
OPINION: One of the most recognised lines from the classic TV show Hill Street Blues was the send out by…My inconvenient truth - don't let it be yours!
OPINION: I felt great about turning 50.An opportunity to connect!
The 2021 NZ Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) Farm Manager of the Year Christopher Vila spoke at the 2022 awards night…Editorial: A win for rural... just
OPINION: The last minute decision by Health Minister Andrew Little to give the rural community some status in the new…Agribusiness
O'Connor attends WTO meeting
Trade Minister Damien O'Connor is currently in Geneva for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference.
New chair for Fonterra Shareholders Fund
The independent chair of Fonterra Shareholders Fund John Shewan is stepping down later this year.Fonterra's strategy spooks investors
Fonterra's weak share price highlights market concerns around the co-op's investment plans, says Jarden head of research, Arie Dekker.Firm prices kick off winter
Dairy Softer demand manifested in a clear downward trend for global dairy commodity prices across May 2022.Watermetrics appoints new sales engineer
Water data service provider Watermetrics has appointed Lee Hart as its sales engineer for lower Southland.Management
Young Ahu farmer finalists found
The finalists in the 2022 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award for sheep and beef were recently announced.
Research project provides valuable hill country farm data
A multi-site study on hill country farms around New Zealand is providing a wealth of information and research findings to help guide farmers around pasture forage decisions.
Knowing your colostrum powder
Providing a newbown calf with colostrum within 12 hours of birth is vital, we know that. And if maternal colostrum is unavailable or poor quality, a colostrum replacer can provide an essential alternative.
Smart ways to lower working hours
With milkings typically taking around 17 to 24 hours a week per worker, many farmers have been focusing on milking smarter to reduce hours and creative ways to shorten the working week - like the 22% who report they are using flexible milking.
Grow another paddock
Farming is becoming increasingly complex. Until recentyl, farmers had relatively few issues to focus on: feeding cows, producing milk and hopefully making enough money to feed their family and pay off their mortgages.
Farm Health
Make use of ewe scanning data
Having the ability to target feed ewes that will offer the best return on investmnt is one of the main benefits of pregnancy scanning - but there are others.
Benchmark in teat spraying
Automatic teat spraying is no longer just about labour savings, says dairy automation company GEA.
Uni farms variable plan delivers mixed result
The first full season of ten-in-seven variable milking on the Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) started well but the "then wheels fell off," the farm administrator, Jeremy Savage, revealed at the recent farm focus day.
His bark could be worse than his bite
With canine cough having a resurgence around the country the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) is reminding dog owners to keep an eye out for symptoms.
Toxoplasmosis a major cause of abortion in ewes
Toxoplasmosis is the second most common cause of abortion in sheep.
Machinery & Products
Making life easier
Many temporary sheep fencing systems can be troublesome, with reels jamming or breaking and the bugbear of silly hooks on the chains, which continuously catch on everything.
Krone adds VariPack to its baler range
The Krone VariPack Plus is a high-density, high-performance round baler comprising of four models – the VariPack V 165, V 165 XC, VariPack V 190 and V 190 XC.
Valtra's following grows
With the release of its N5 and T5 series of tractors, Valtra continues to expand its presence in the Australia-New Zealand region.
Manufacturer hustling to double NZ production
Hawke's Bay farming equipment manufacturer Hustler Equipment has announced the recent acquisition of the production facilities of McLaren Stainless.
Remote-controlled slurry hose trailer
UK manufacturer Tramspread has launched the first contractor trailer to feature its Teletram GSM remote control system.
Motoring
LDV electric ute breaks cover
While there seems to be a feeding frenzy for hybrid or electric cars of late, there’s no such madness for…
New-look 'Step-Thru'
Remarkably there are still many of the venerable Honda step-throughs operating on rural properties throughout New Zealand.Safari on a Trek to NZ
Exclusive to the New Zealand market and available in limited supply, the Suzuki Jimny Safari adds to an already versatile…A price saving proposition
A bit like Vegemite, the first impression raised when you encounter a Mahindra Pik Up is love or hate –…Updated Navara ute bolder and more refined
The most obvious change to the updated Nissan Navara is the bold, almost American, styling.» The RNG Weather Report
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The Hound
No free ride!
OPINION: This old mutt is getting somewhat tired of multi-national, tax-dodging, fund-raising group Greenpeace always given front and centre mainstream…
How come?
OPINION: A mate of yours truly is questioning exactly why the Māori ag sector have been given special budget funding by…
Milking It
Baby formula bounce back
OPINION: The US infant formula crisis may be coming to an end.
Calm cows deliver
OPINION: Do calm cows produce more milk?
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Popular Reads
BNZ offers loan incentives for 'green' farmers
BNZ aims to have a $10 billion sustainability financing portfolio by 2025.
Fonterra takes $81m hit in Sri Lanka
Fonterra has copped an $81 million hit in the key market of Sri Lanka, which has been facing political turmoil.
Fonterra on track to deliver $1bn capital
Fonterra remains on track to deliver around $1 billion of capital to farmer shareholders and unit holders in two years.