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.
FOUR finalists in the 33rd Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year completion have been announced.
Under the theme 'Innovation in Farming', they stretch from Sawdon Station, a high country station using lupins as a forage crop, to the multi-farm irrigated dairy business of Synlait Farms which has a novel approach to personnel management.
Methven arable and fodder crop farmers Andy and Kate Chapman, and Ashburton specialist croppers and technology enthusiasts Deanne and Joanne Taylor make up the quartet.
Second judging visits will be made shortly, then on November 8 the finalists make a presentation about their business at Lincoln, after which a winner will be announced.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.

OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…
OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…