Editorial: Having a rural voice
OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.
Federated Farmers has released the finalists for the Primary Industries Awards, to be presented in Wellington on July 1.
The awards are part of the Primary Industries Awards Summit, on July 1 - 2.
Federated Farmers says the awards aim to shine a spotlight on the important role the primary sector plays in the economy and honour the most successful and innovative primary industries’ producers and supporters.
The conference is a partnership between Federated Farmers and Conferenz.
The finalists are:
• Primary Industries Team Award:
- DairyNZ, for ‘Rosie the Cow’
- Beef + Lamb NZ, for "Taste Pure New Zealand’
• Primary Industries Science and Research Award:
- Lincoln University, for ClearTech
- Agricom/Greener Pastures, for Ecotain
• Primary Industries Innovation & Collaboration Award:
- Farmlands, for Safe Farm and Safe visits
- AgriCom/Greener Pastures, for Ecotain
- New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association, for Tahi Ngatahi
• Primary Industries Chief Executive of the Year:
- Linda Sissons, PrimaryITO
- Greg Campbell, Ravensdown
The award for outstanding contribution to the Primary Industries will also be made at the awards dinner.
According to the latest Fresh Produce Trend Report from United Fresh, 2026 will be a year where fruit and vegetables are shaped by cost pressures, rapid digital adoption, and a renewed focus on wellbeing at home.
The Roar is a highlight of the game hunting calendar in New Zealand, with thousands of hunters set to head for the hills to hunt male stags during March and April.
OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.
European dairy giant Arla Foods celebrated its 25th anniversary as a cross-border, farmer-owned co-operative with a solid half-year result.
The sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.
Fonterra is boosting its butter production capacity to meet growing demand.

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