Coueron, western France, farmer Anthony Vaillant left the door insecure, allowing 46 cows to wander out. The animals made their way to a nearby food store holding all their winter rations -- a high energy supplement harmful if consumed in large quantities. They ate the lot. “It’s like an overdose,” Vaillant told the local newspaper.
An insecure barn door proved costly for a French farmer when half his cows gorged themselves to death after escaping from their pen.
Popular Reads
Farmer concerns are grounded in reality, not 'no-hope narratives'
OPINION: The 'Save Our Sheep' campaign is built on a foundation of structure, integrity, and evidence from the Federated Farmers…Groundswell ramps up ‘Quit Paris’ campaign across New Zealand
Groundswell is ramping up its 'Quit Paris' campaign with signs going up all over the country.Fibre broadband expansion to 95% of NZ gets green light – a win for rural connectivity
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to…Federated Farmers reject call to leave Paris Agreement
Federated Farmers is joining major industry-good bodies in not advocating for the Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.Featured
NZ milk production surges 17.8% at start of 2025/26 dairy season
New Zealand milk production is off to a strong start, with the first month of the 2025/26 dairy season recording a whopping 17.8% jump in milk production, compared to the previous season.
Farmers urged to prepare as heavy rain looms
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
NZ agribusinesses urged to embrace China’s e-commerce and innovation boom
Keep up with innovation and e-commerce in China or risk losing market share. That was the message delivered at the China Business Summit in Auckland this month.
Processors backing Taste Pure Nature boosts NZ meat marketing in China
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy says getting meat processors involved has been a shot in the arm for the sector's key marketing initiative into China, Taste Pure Nature.
Bremworth launches $6M expansion of cyclone-damaged Napier plant
Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Federated Farmers vows to hold banks accountable after complaint dismissed
Federated Farmers is vowing to keep the big banks accountable for their actions and to continue pushing for meaningful change in the rural lending sector.
National
Tahuna dairy farmer Annabelle Scherer carries on family legacy
Tahuna dairy farmer Annabelle Scherer is hoping to continue the legacy her mother has handed down to her: One that…Chlorpyrifos ban in New Zealand sparks concerns over grass grub control
An insecticide widely used to control pests in pasture and grain crops will be banned by the end of next…Kate Faulks urges more farmers to step into governance roles
Farming is changing fast, and future-focused leaders are needed in New Zealand’s boardrooms.Nelson Tasman storms cause devastating damage to farms and infrastructure
"The worst of the worst" is how Richard Kempthorne, the chair of the Nelson Tasman Rural Support Trust, describes the…Barry’s Bay Cheese wins Champion of Champions for Aged Gouda
The basis for making great cheese is good milk, says the owner of Banks Peninsula's Barry's Bay Cheese, which was…Machinery & Products
Samasz XDF Front Mowers launched for NZ's tough terrain
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to…Lely unveils A5-Next milking robot to mark 30 years of automation innovation
With 2025 marking the 30th anniversary of its first milking robot being installed in Belgium in 1995, Lely says it…JFC Agri launches Evolution S4 Automatic calf feeder in New Zealand
JFC Agri launched its innovative Evolution range of automatic calf feeders, including the state-of-the-art Evolution S4 Automatic unit, to New…Pro feeding robots to cut, load silage
While feeding dairy animals in New Zealand is largely centred around feed trailers, mixer wagons or baleage, one wonders whether…Fliegl offers effluent solutions
Founded in Germany as recently as 1977, today, the Fliegl Group employs more than 1100 workers, offering an expansive range…» Latest Print Issues Online
Milking It
Synthetic milk
OPINION: Will synthetic milk derail NZ's economy?
It's all about economics
OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a…