National

Time to restart genetic modification debate?

An expert on genetic modification says though young people can see the possibilities with the technology, some people are still living in a time warp in regards to it.

Pros and cons for forestry changes

Changes coming through from the Government on overseas investment in forestry have pros and cons, says Christina Lefever, a special council with law firm Duncan Cotterill.

New land ownership regulations causing uncertainty in rural sector

The door has not closed on overseas investment in the rural sector but there is uncertainty, says Christina Lefever, of the law firm Duncan Cotterill.

New leaders for Rural Contractors NZ

The new presidential team leading Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) says the organisation plays an invaluable role educating and up-skilling contractors and promoting their interests.

Fledging truffle industry has growing to do

New Zealand boasts the first truffle grown in the southern hemisphere, in 1996, but Australia is now strides ahead in producing and exporting the delicacy.

Mixed result for GDT

The latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction has delivered a mixed result.

IHC latest victim of M. bovis

IHC is hoping farmers who’ve previously supported its annual calf and rural scheme by donating animals for auction will this year give cash.

Weaker NZ dollar won’t buffer impacts of potential trade war

A weaker New Zealand dollar may help offset the decline in Global Dairy Trade prices, but the reasons behind the lower dollar are more significant to dairy, says Rabobank dairy analyst Emma Higgins.

Second time’s a win for Wallace

Going for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year title for a second time was incredibly hard, says this year’s title winner, Gore sheep farmer Logan Wallace.

50 years young

The Young Farmer of the Year competition celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala gathering of former winners, finalists and families held at the national final in Invercargill.

Northland orchards on the market

Seeka put nine Northland kiwifruit and avocado orchards on the market last week, including six it recently acquired from Turners and Growers.

Animal welfare framework eight months in making

Associate Ag Minister Meka Whaitiri, the first dedicated minister for animal welfare, says the Framework for Action on Animal Welfare followed eight months consultation with stakeholders.

Money spent on adding more layers of bureaucracy to our animal welfare regime would be better spent on addressing our horrific statistics on children, says Federated Farmers animal welfare spokesman Miles Anderson.

Concrete fermenters, oh la la

Esk Valley’s concrete wine fermenters are a thing of beauty.

Beetles provide an answer to nitrogen

While scientists and farm consultants in laboratories try to solve the problem of nitrogen loss on farms, a large force of creatures works underground 24/7 on the issue.

Outlook for meat remains rosy

The apparent ease with which the global lamb markets have been able to absorb extra volumes from New Zealand and Australia indicates demand remains very strong, a Rabobank report says.

Elders mum on PGW

Australian rural services company Elders has downplayed media speculation it is raising funds for a buyout of New Zealand’s largest agricultural services company PGG Wrightson (PGW).

Guiney undecided on standing for board

Leonie Guiney remains undecided about contesting the upcoming Fonterra board elections.

Fonterra faces ‘crisis of confidence’

Former Fonterra director Leonie Guiney says the co-op is facing a crisis of confidence.

Kiwifruit case setting a precedent?

The kiwifruit claim decision in favour of growers has wide implications for biosecurity, says Dr Nic Lees, a senior lecturer in agribusiness at Lincoln University.