The dirt on soil: Why healthy soil matters
OPINION: Every year, December 5 marks World Soil Day. This date wasn’t chosen at random, it’s the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, a passionate advocate for soil stewardship.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients has started building their new hub in Whangarei, after a pre-dawn ceremony to bless the site yesterday.
The Whangarei hub is phase two of more than $50m of investment in the Northland region which the company says signals it’s long-term intent in Northland.
The existing infrastructure on the site at 223 Kioreroa Road will be upgraded to benefit the Northland regions expanding agricultural sector, including the horticulture industry.
Ballance will use the Kioreroa Road site for blending, bagging and distribution to customers around Whangarei and is the central distribution hub for Northland.
The Marsden Point site, opened 21 June, is a bulk storage and transitional facility for product coming directly from Northport, and a customer service centre.
“Kioreroa Road will be a place where vital nutrients for food production are blended using world leading technology, specifically designed for Northland farmers and growers in the wider region and our distribution network,” says Shane Dufaur, Ballance general manager: operations and supply chain.
Dufaur says the company will move from its current Port Road site to the new site in the 2022/23 season.
“Balance is focused on the future of farming and growing in Northland, that is why we have invested in precision automated technology and digital infrastructure that will enhance product quality and reliability of supply,” says Dufaur.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.

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