Mark Dillon Returns Home with Ploughing Tractor after European Competitions
Southland rural contractor and current NZ Ploughing champion Mark Dillon has got his tractor back after it enjoyed some extensive OE.
Murray Grainger of Mosgiel was one of many competitors from the South Island at this year's national ploughing championships held at Rongotea in Manawatu.
The weather and ground conditions were perfect and large crowds came for the two days of competition.
Chairman of World Ploughing, Colin Millar says the local organisers and the owner of the land where the competition was held stepped up to the mark – in fact went over – because it was a beautiful site and the soil was well prepared.
He says no one could complain about it, the event was very well run.
"The soil conditions were amazing, the level of the grass and the stubble was exceptional. We told the competitors they could remove as much straw as they liked because there was no straw on the site."
Murray Grainger was placed third in the vintage class behind Paul Houghton and the winner John Stalker. Seven competitors contested the vintage class.
New Zealand's diverse cheesemaking talent shone brightly last night as the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association (NZSCA) crowned the champions of the 2026 New Zealand Cheese Awards.
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Fish & Game New Zealand has announced its election priorities in its Manifesto 2026.
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