Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmers warned to monitor stock water wells
Sheep and beef farmers in Hawke's Bay are being urged to keep a close eye on the wells that supply water to their stock.
"Innovate or stagnate" will be the main message from Grassmere farmer Doug Avery when he visits Lincoln University next Thursday.
Avery's talk about turning drought and desperation into sustainability and success will take place on Thursday, July 16 at 7pm.
Avery, also known as the 'drought man', says he understands the value of farmers learning from farmers.
The talk aims to help farmers to prepare for change, for themselves, their business and their farm. The event is not just a "how to" session or "step by step" instructions on farming practice, but rather an inspiration for changing the way people think about farming in New Zealand, says Avery.
A number of agribusiness partners will attend, each of them critical to Avery's farming transformation. The focus will be on smart agriculture but also the best in thinking, people and technology and what it takes to bring about successful change management. Avery's knowledge comes from hard won experience and is invaluable in the face of increasing incidence of drought in New Zealand.
Avery's family won the 2010 South Island Farmer of the Year Competition for their work adapting farm management systems in response to increasingly dry conditions. His work in developing a system that works with the land instead of battling against it has attracted both national and international attention.
Bovonic says a return on investment study has found its automated mastitis detection technology, QuadSense, is delivering financial, labour, and animal-health benefits on New Zealand dairy farms worth an estimated $29,547 per season.
Pāmu has welcomed ten new apprentices into its 2026 intake, marking the second year of a scheme designed to equip the next generation of farmers with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a thriving career in agriculture.
One team with 43 head, including a contingent from Mid Canterbury, are reflecting on a stellar NZ DairyEvent.
Fonterra farmer shareholders have approved the mechanism for a $2/share capital return expected from the sale of its global consumer and associated businesses.
Trainees in the horticulture industry studying towards a certificate or diploma can now apply for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 Industry Training Scholarships programme.
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