Fruit fly discovery puts growers, exporters on edge
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Horticulture NZ's kicks off in Nelson today with the industry in a buoyant mood.
The theme of the conference is 'Innovate from seed to plate' and will look at issues all the sectors have in common from research and development in robotics and technology to food safety and delivery of high end product to the consumer.
HortNZ chairman Julian Raine told Rural News horticulture is in a buoyant mood and will continue to boom.
"The horticulture industries collectively are on a high. It hasn't happened by chance. There has been a lot of work done to ensure we are in the space we are at the moment."
HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman says innovation has been a key to success, on and off the orchards and gardens. Researchers such as Plant and Food had developed varieties that gave them the edge on the world stage.
The conference would have a key focus on technologies, especially drones.
The World Wide Sires National All Day Breeds Best Youth Camp Best All Rounder plaudit has become family affair, with 2026 Paramount Cup winner Holly Williams following in her sister Zara's footsteps.
DairyNZ is giving New Zealand farmers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on governance and leadership experience within the dairy sector.
Herd improvement company LIC has posted a 5.2% lift in half-year revenue, thanks to increasing demand for genetics.
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.