Blueberries Could Be NZ's Next $150m Horticultural Export
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
The Smaller Milk and Supply Herds (SMASH) conferences will be held in three North Island venues next month.
The conference theme is ‘Sharing Solutions’; events will be held in Taranaki (June 21), Waikato (June 23) and Northland (June 26).
Three speakers - Zespri chief executive Lain Jager, vet Neil Chesterton and motivational speaker Kevin Biggar - have been roped in for the day-long event.
Jager will talk about how the kiwifruit industry tackled the big challenge of Psa, and how they rebuilt afterwards to create a solid footing going forward.
Chesterton is passionate about finding solutions to reduce lameness. He will talk about the lameness risk factors and show you how important cow flow and low stress handling are as keys to reducing foot injury.
Biggar will speak about overcoming your fear of challenges, confronting doubts head-on and creating the momentum to achieve success.
Each conference starts at 9am and finish with nibbles and drinks at 5pm. DairyNZ levy payers pay $70 for the event while non-levy payers will pay $120.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.
Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.