Editorial: Making wool great again
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
Moves to promote the natural and sustainable features of wool versus synthetic fibres and its fossil fuel connections appears to be growing momentum around the world.
NZ carpet manufacturer Bremworth has grabbed a lot of headlines during the past year with its move to stop selling synthetic carpets and only promote woollen floor coverings.
Meanwhile, a recent high-profile advertising campaign by levy-funded research and marketing group Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is highlighting the sustainability of wool, compared to synthetic textiles.
AWI’s wool campaign emphasises the eco-credentials of the fibre compared to synthetic fabrics. The ad features people dripping in oil, representing the fossil fuels used to create synthetic clothing.
The advertising campaign, which is running in America, the United Kingdom, France and Australia, depicts people swimming in a pool of black oil, struggling to get out. When they do finally emerge, they take off their dripping clothes to reveal clean wool products underneath.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.