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A fruitful year for Zespri

Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson says it was pleasing result given how significant the challenges in the 2021/22 season were.

It's no wonder Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson had an extra bounce in his step while traipsing around the US with PM Jacinda Ardern and others on a recent trade mission to that country.

Foundations for a fine new fibre

Hemprino founders Harriet Bell, left, Paul Ensor, and Siobhan O’Malley, all modelling their first product, the Pioneer all-gender crew-necked jersey, made of 80% merino and 20% hemp fibre.

A group of South Island farmers say they are about to expand their range after the successful launch of an apparel business based on blending hemp fibre with merino wool.

Shearing his way to success

School was not John Herlihy's thing, but in shearing he found a career.

John Herlihy was born in the township of Kaimata, at the back of Inglewood, where the family owned a small farm.

They call it the Forgotten Highway - perhaps because it is somewhere in the middle of the North Island. It does connect Taumaranui with Stratford and is, of course, the only access road to the self-proclaimed republic of Whangamōmona. Peter Burke recently ticked off another item on his bucket list to visit this republic and to meet its president.

Rendered unworthy!

Hokitika-based Westland Milk is considering suspending milk collection from Gloriavale's farming operations and both Silver Fern Farms and Alliance Group are looking at cutting off supply of offal product to the community's petfood business.

Hot on the heels of moves by Westland Milk to stop processing its milk, reclusive Christian community Gloriavale looks to be shedding more agribusiness suppliers and customers.

Gloriavale issues apology

The Gloriavale Community has issued a public apology following an employment court decision.

In late May, the Gloriavale Community issued a public letter of apology in regard to both its past employment and community actions.

$81,000 - no bull!

Kincardine Angus Stud's Mike Smith and Lot 2, which fetched $81,000 at the stud's recent on-farm bull sale, near Queenstown.

Angus breeder Mike Smith, from Cone Peak Station on the north face of Remarkable Mountains in Queenstown, describes his recent Kincardine Angus on-farm sale as an "awesome occasion" after selling a bull for $81,000.

Wet weather prompts stopbank grazing reminder

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reminding rural landowners of the requirements to protect the region's stopbanks from the effects of stock and overgrazing.

With the change of season, Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reminding rural landowners of the requirements to protect the region’s stopbanks from the effects of stock and overgrazing.

O'Connor congratulates Queen's Birthday honours recipients

Former Fonterra chairman John Monaghan is among this year's Queen's Birthday Honours recipients.

Minister for Rural Communities Damien O’Connor is congratulating the rural New Zealanders recognised for their services to the country in this year’s Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours list.