Fert use tumbles as prices spike
Fertiliser use in New Zealand over the 18 months is about 25% down from what it consistently was for the previous decade or more, says Ravensdown chief operating officer Mike Whitty.
Former Agriculture Minister and Horowhenua dairy farmer Nathan Guy is standing for election to the Ravensdown board of directors.
"As farmers and growers grapple with environmental and climate change regulations they are crying out for leadership and user-friendly technologies to make adjustments inside the farm gate," he says.
"We have been using Ravensdown technologies like Hawke Eye and N Protect to better manage our whole operation but more needs to be donw in this space."
Since retiring from politics, Guy - the former Minister for Primary Industries for five years - says he's overseen massive on-farm development. This includes building a new twin rotary farm dairy, as well as a new effluent and water system.
He adds that he's also become active in governance, transferring the "critical thinking, connections and experiences gained from 15 years in Parliament and around the Cabinet table to the board room".
Guy currently serves on the boards of Barenbrug (formerly Agriseeds) and the Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Football Union.
Red meat farmers have dealt a major blow to their umbrella farmer body, Beef + Lamb New Zealand - rejecting an increase in directors’ fees.
The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as possible.
Southland-based Mataura Valley Milk can now lay claim to be the first all-electric dairy factory in New Zealand.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
Meat co-operative Alliance Group has bagged four gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, achieving top honours for every cut entered.
There is increasing evidence that dairy demand is on the upswing, according to Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins.
OPINION: Your canine crusader reckons moves by the new government to try and breathe new life into the country's ailing…
OPINION: This old mutt suggests the new government is going to have to move fast to rein in a number…