Farm Smarter, Not Harder
New research suggests the ag sector can unlock a $2.9 billion increase in profitability, not by farmers and growing more, but by making their farming systems simpler.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?
Hill country farms - steep, harder-to-manage land - have traditionally relied heavily on sheep, but that balance is changing.
Beef cow numbers are starting to recover across the country. This reflects a mix of better prices for farmers, ongoing labour shortages and the practical benefits cattle bring to pasture management and parasite control in sheep farming.
For many of these farmers, cattle are an appealing option because they can simplify operations without reducing overall returns. Good news too for dairy farmers selling young stock to be raised for beef.
A leading British farming politician says he's impressed with the positive attitude of New Zealand farmers that he met during his recent trip here.
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
The Southern Dairy Hub (SDH), which runs a demonstration farm for South Island farmers, has a new general manager.
Esther Guy-Meakin has been announced as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
According to a progress report on the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP), New Zealand's horticulture sector is making real progress on the big issues facing growers.
A team effort that is paying dividends for the wider New Zealand economy.