MSA triumph
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first foray into fertiliser co-operative governance.
Fertiliser co-op Ravensdown says some of its stores have been affected by the series of earthquakes this morning.
It is also warning farmers that supply of fertiliser to some stores could be affected by road closures.
The co-op’s Marlborough store is being assessed by staff and will re-open at 7am tomorrow. The Cheviot store could not be contacted due to phone congestion and it is likely to be closed for the day due to road closures.
Some staff made it into the Culverden store, however access to the store may be limited by road closures; the store is open but running on limited resources.
Stores in Nelson and Amberley are open after visual inspections by staff.
Ravensdown’s quarries at Ngarua and Whiterock Lime are open but will not be producing lime until production buildings are inspected and passed safe by engineers.
“We will continue to despatch lime and should have sufficient quantity on hand to minimise any supply disruption,” it says.
“Our manufacturing plants are operational, have been assessed by staff, and look okay; engineering reports will be prepared as required. At this stage no North Island stores are affected.”
The co-op says several main roads remain closed.
“Until roads are more closely assessed today we will not know for how long they will be closed. There is likely to be some ongoing interruption to supply of fertiliser to these stores while roads are repaired.”
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.
The Push-Up Challenge, an event which combines mental health and fitness, is set to launch in New Zealand in 2026.
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.

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