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.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.