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Multiple benefits of native planting on farms

James Millner is leading research into the potential benefits of planting native shrubs for use as sheep fodder.

Multiple potential benefits from planting native shrubs for use as sheep fodder are being researched as part of the Hill Country Futures Programme.

Highest monthly food price increase in five years

Statistics NZ say food prices have rose by 2.7% in January 2022.

Monthly food prices rose 2.7% in January 2022, the highest monthly rise since January 2017, says Statistics NZ.

NZ primary sector needs to adapt if it is to succeed

Massey University's Professor Chris Anderson.

With the ongoing chaos caused by Covid, the NZ primary sector needs to develop adaptive strategies if it's to succeed.

Too little, too late

Like many in the primary sector, meat processor say the decision to re-open the borders is positive for the country but is unlikely to alleviate the labour shortage the industry is currently experiencing.

Recent moves by the Government to loosen up the borders have been labelled as too little, too late for most industries in an agri-sector desperate for overseas workers.

Westland's Covid conundrum

Westland Milk chief executive Richard Wyeth.

Omicron is going to be challenging for the Hokitika-based Westland Milk Products (WMP), according to chief executive Richard Wyeth.

New milk plant still awaiting funding before construction can begin

Owners of a new milk processing plant planned in Waikato say construction will start once funding has been secured.

Adverse event declared on the West Coast and Top of South after flooding

An adverse event has been declared on the West Coast and the top of the South Island.

Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor has classified the severe weather that’s affected the West Coast and Top of the South as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking Government support for farmers and growers.

Ag innovator and contributor leaves his mark on sector

Colin Harvey receiving his Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit Insignia from then Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand in April 2008.

Colin Harvey, one of the NZ agri-sector’s foremost innovators and contributors, died in a drowning accident in late January.

No laughing matter!

Bluegrass Contracting's Brook Nettleton has described the Government's efforts to facilitate the arrival of overseas workers as a joke.

A leading rural contractor has described the Government's efforts to facilitate the arrival of oversees workers as a joke.

Aussie's loss is NZ's gain

Australia fears a shortage of shearers after New Zealand shearers return home once our borders reopen.

In a twist on the usual formula, Australia fears a shortage of shearers in that country after New Zealand shearers return home once our borders reopen.