Wool man launches anti-synthetics petition
Every time you wash synthetic clothes, micro fibres of plastic are washed into the waterways, says Devold Wool Direct general…
Recent
Nats stunned by methane target
National's climate change spokesman Todd Muller says the proposed target for methane reduction puts the New Zealand agricultural sector at “real…
Tip Top sale no sweet fix
Selling the iconic ice cream business Tip Top won’t end Fonterra’s financial woes, says broker Grant Williamson, of Hamilton Hindin…
Rural doctors thin on the ground – research
36% of rural general practitioners intend to retire in the next one to five years, a new study shows.
Weather impacts fruit crop
Horticultural produce company Seeka has indicated lower than expected kiwifruit volumes across Australia and New Zealand.
National
Climate change may impact kiwifruit
Climate change may force the kiwifruit industry to look for new places to grow its vines – especially the green…
Super-fruit punching above its weight
New Zealand blackcurrants have been found by the University of Auckland to have high levels of a key nutrient that…
World reopens for NZ asparagus
An asparagus breeder sees scope for the industry making a “tremendous breakthrough” via the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific…
All ‘Barred’-up over M. bovis
South Canterbury rural consultant Sarah Barr says there is a huge degree of anxiety on the ground over the surge…
Trade talks on target - just
European Union and New Zealand trade officials are still hopeful that agreement on a free trade agreement (FTA) will be…
World
Fines for farm invaders
Animal rights activists entering Queensland farms without permission now face being fined.
Australia’s last dairy co-op popular
Australia's last surviving iconic dairy cooperative, Norco, says it’s getting enquiries daily from farmers wanting to supply it milk.
Where to for the UK?
“On a knife-edge,” is how NZ’s former high commissioner to London, Sir Lockwood Smith, describes the British government’s EU exit plans.
Not even a wild Atlantic storm can stop the Irish
The Irish sure know how to throw a good party, as experienced last month at the National Ploughing Association event at Screggan, County Offaly, Ireland.
Call for Brexit revote
Britain should hold a second referendum on Brexit to make sure the British people fully understand what they will be in for when the UK leaves the European Union (EU) in six months.
Opinion
Progress is being made on nutrient management
OPINION: Most of us are under the impression that all New Zealand has fertile soil that’s great for growing food. It’s…
Making pesticides safe
OPINION: A culture of trepidation about consuming foods which have been exposed to pesticides is misleading and has sparked much confusion…
Snake oil or real information?
Dr Jacqueline Rowarth explains what farmers can look out for when figuring out if a product is snake oil.
A licence to farm — Editorial
The Government has a clear message for farmers: ignore climate change at your peril.
A tale of two shows
OPINION: There were clear winners and losers in this year's regional field days circuit.
Agribusiness
Border biosecurity need tech upgrade
A review of biosecurity controls at New Zealand borders recommends continuously adapting new technology.
How McDonald's changed a farm
A large East Coast Māori-owned farm has the McDonald's restaurant chain to thank for its recent improvements.
Embrace challenges – don’t run from them
Disruption is happening whether we like it or not, says Dave Maslen, NZ Merino general manager for markets and sustainability.
Less milk wasted
A Christchurch start-up has been recognised at a major Australian agricultural technology event for its technology aimed at minimising waste…
Keeping an eye on honey in real time
A Hamilton company has developed a real-time system that enables beekeepers to see data on their hives’ weight, temperature and…
Management
Finalists show how its done
At the end of May, the winner of the Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori sheep and beef farm will be announced at a gala dinner in Gisborne.
Award for planning tool
Ballance Agri Nutrients’ farm environment planning tool MitAgator last month won the Smart Farming Award at the South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee.
Large players struggling to adjust to challenges
Many very large food companies, particularly in the US, are struggling to adjust to the changing tastes of consumers, says Nick Fereday, RaboResearch senior analyst consumer foods.
Farming on Mt Horrible
Farming is a three-generation family affair for the Haywards of Mt Horrible, near Timaru.
Pasture growth raises morale
Scattered rain over the past few weeks has been enough to encourage new pasture growth, helping to raise morale amongst Waikato’s farmers.
Farm Health
Vets ready for new horn removal rules
Vets NZ-wide are gearing up to help farmers comply with new rules on using local anesthetic while removing horn tissue from…
A little planning goes a long way
Farmers spend many hours planning their lives around the farming year, but often health and safety is left out.
Seeing the bottom of M. bovis?
An update meeting on Mycoplasma bovis in Hamilton earlier this month, threw up several questions, not least where were all the farmers?
Genetic solutions to herd challenges
Herd improvement company CRV Ambreed claims its 2019 bulls offer farmers great options.
Pneumonia and pleurisy in sheep
Pneumonia and pleurisy in sheep can be costly, but you can take steps to prevent it.
Machinery & Products
Bully machines make good impression
Founded in 1955, Pukekohe-based Fieldmaster is well known New Zealand-wide for its mowing and post driving equipment for the agricultural,…
Deutz Fahr tractors keep firm at cutting edge
Since Mulch and Mow Ltd started business in 2004, Duane Crow has run out of fingers counting how many tractors…
Band tillage machine designed to cut fodder beet establishment costs
Many agricultural contractors use off-the-shelf machinery to deliver their services, but others ingeniously modify such gear or design bespoke implements to fulfil…
Kuhn Merge Maxx added to the mix
Twin or four rotor tine-based swathers tend to dominate the market for machines that will satisfy the voracious appetites of…
Lemken making parts last longer
Wearing parts for soil engaging implements are a hefty cost for any farmer or contractor, so selection should be based…
Motoring
Puts up and impresses
Mahindra, seeking to reintroduce its products to Kiwis, recently took motoring journalists on a day-long drive from Auckland to Rotorua,…
Mercedes X350 smoother than a Hollywood star
While 2018 heralded the arrival of the long-awaited Mercedes X-Class ute, early 2019 brought with it the cream of the…
A real small-block bruiser
You wouldn't credit a 6.1L Chevy small-block V8 with a fuel economy figure of 7.8L/100km but that’s the figure displayed…
Jeep Gladiator a chariot that will attract many
2020 will see the arrival of a Jeep aimed at tapping Kiwis’ unquenchable thirst for utes, says brand distributor in…
Bold new face for Holden
Holden is putting SUVs front and centre of its plan for the future.
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The Hound
Lord help us
It's no wonder your canine crusader rolls his eyes whenever he hears about public servants developing new ideas.
Illiterate?
Your old mate reckons plenty of the current crop of MPs in Parliament would struggle to read, let alone make laws for…
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Butter price hikes could push opening forecast to $7.50
Soaring butter prices may see next season’s milk price go beyond $7/kgMS – even as high as the mid sevens.
V300 robots debut in Karaka
A small organic farm in South Auckland has become the first NZ recipient of DeLaval’s new robotic milking system, the…
Spread your own fertiliser and save
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New machinery for the vineyard
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