Editorial: Right call
OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.
Two Southdown rams shared the honours at Canterbury A&P Association’s elite ram & ewe sale last November, both making $14,000.
Of 238 rams offered, 77 were passed but all 24 ewes sold. Rams averaged $1781 and ewes $234 to total $286,725, back on last year’s $306,120.
“While overall sales are down on last year, the clearance rate was good and averages kept up with 2013,” said PGG Wrightson NZ livestock genetics manager Bruce Orr. The drop in sales was disappointing but a sign of the times and buyers were getting “very good value” with rams, given the number and price of prime lambs they could sire, he added.
“The overall picture for sheep and beef looks pleasing when you consider the global outlook for dairy farming, particularly taking into account the large disparity in the 2013 and 2014 proposed payouts.”
The two sale-topping Southdowns were from BC Macaulay’s Maclaka stud, Christchurch, and Chris Medlicott’s Clifton Downs, Waimate.
Going one better than a frustratingly close second place finish at last year's event, the country's top axeman, Jack Jordan of Taumaranui, last weekend won the Stihl Timbersports World Championship individual event in.
Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show president Brent Chamberlain says a big development for this year is the Wool Zone, first introduced two years ago as a showplace for everything produced from wool, but now greatly enlarged with its own Wool Marquee and more than 30 trade sites.
Salmonellosis is a serious disease in cattle.
Drench resistance is already hitting farm profits; it's not just a future problem.
Engaging, thought provoking speakers, relevant seminars and relatable topics alongside innovative produces and services are the order of the day at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Farm supplies trader Ruralco has recovered from two consecutive years of losses to post a $1.25 million profit for the 2025 financial year.