Farm Worker Appreciation Day: Thanking NZ's Dairy Teams
OPINION: Today marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day – a day we’re proud to recognise here in New Zealand.
OPINION: We hope the Green Party and its supporters are taking notice.
A recent DairyNZ nationwide survey highlights dairy farmers continue to focus on wintering well and caring for their animals and land, no matter the conditions.
Last year, 74% of farmers implemented at least five good management practices to support their cows and manage winter conditions. Importantly, 96% of farmers also said they had strategies to provide comfortable lying conditions.
Farmers, especially in Southland, have been harassed by so-called 'environment warriors' for their winter grazing practices. The DairyNZ survey shows the opposite of what the worriers claim - farmers use a range of tactics to care for cows over winter.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?