Wired for Science: Understanding the feeding habits of mealybug
Fussy children might be frustrating, but fussy mealybugs could help protect the New Zealand wine industry from grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3.
"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.
Westpac NZ has announced new initiatives that aim to give customers more options to do their banking in person.
New Zealand red meat exports experienced a 29% increase year-on-year in September, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
BNZ says its new initiative, helping make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier, is being well received by customers and rural professionals.
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.