Student First to Contest Both Wine National Titles
A Lincoln University student is set to become the first person to contest both the Young Viticulturist and the Young Winemaker national titles in one year.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Held last month, the Farm2Future educational camp, funded by Rabobank and run by Lincoln University, brought togethr Year 12 students from 20 schools nationwide.
During the programme, participants visited a range of agribusinesses throughout Canterbury, including Rakaia Island Dairy Farm, Oakley's Premium Fresh Vegetables, PGG Wrightson, Original Foods, Zentera Wool Company, and Foodstuffs.
Students also attended a presentation by Sudeley Angus and Sheep Stud, heard from a panel of young agribusiness professionals about their roles and career pathways, and toured Lincoln University to gain further insight into agricultural education.
Rabobank Upper South Island client council chair and Oakley's founder Robin Oakley said Farm2Future was originally developed by Rabobank and Lincoln University in response to a need to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within New Zealand's food and fibre sector among secondary school students.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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