Big day at Clash of the Colleges
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
Applications are now open for the Agri Futures Scholarships, helping young Kiwis from rural backgrounds kickstart careers in agriculture and rural sports.
This year, up to 14 scholarships will be awarded, up from nine last year, to support secondary school leavers who've competed in Clash of the Colleges events and are pursuing further education or cadetships and rural sports athletes under 20 who are studying or training.
"We're all about inspiring and supporting the next generation in agriculture and rural sports," says Agri Futures general manager Daniel O'Regan.
Most are open nationwide, but two are reserved for Manawatu/Palmerston North students, recognising their support for the NZ Rural Games.
One is dedicated to South Otago, thanks to the Balclutha-based company, Danone.
Funding comes from a Ford NZ Rural Sports Awards that features signed memorabilia from stars like Dylan Schmidt (Olympics), Erica Dawson (Sailing), Sir Wayne Smith (Black Ferns), and Tim Southee (Black Caps) and from Agri Futures and partners, including Danone and the NZ Rural Games Trust (supporting Otago University sport science student scholarship).
Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 29th August 2025. Successful applicants will be notified on Tuesday, September 30th.
Rural Sports athlete applicants are welcome from any New Zealand rural sport, including, as an example, harness racing, wood chopping, shearing, rural fencing, tree climbing, highland games, sheep dog trials, gumboot throwing, ploughing, equestrian, motocross, shooting and thoroughbred racing.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $20.9 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
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