James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower National Champion
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox and the Pukekohe regional champion, has won the 2026 Young Grower national title.
Horticulture New Zealand has increased the number of places it offers on its highly regarded industry Leadership Programme this year.
The programme runs a selection process every year and 12 people from throughout the commercial fruit and vegetable growing industry are accepted. This year HortNZ is providing six more places, taking the total number of place up to 18.
The programme is in its 15th year and has had more than 180 graduates, many of whom have gone on to take significant roles in the horticulture world, either in their own businesses, with their employer's business or in wider aspects of industry leadership.
"The fruit and vegetable industry has bold goals for growth and our businesses have ambitious growth targets which require strong leadership," HortNZ senior business manager Sue Pickering says.
"Our members and affiliates are recognising this and are looking increasingly towards the HortNZ leadership programme to help develop our emerging leaders."
The HortNZ Leadership Programme is run in conjunction with Lincoln University. Applications for this year's programme close on May 31.
For more information, visit http://www.hortnz.co.nz/our-work/people/leadership-programme-information/
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.
Rural leader Mark Hooper has been appointed as an independent director to the NZPork board, bringing extensive farming, governance and advocacy experience to the role.
Opportunity says its land value tax (LVT) is unlikely to force farmers into a position where asset sales or increased debt are required.
Milk powder prices are keeping farmgate prices up, helping processors offset the dip in milk fat prices.
Climate, nature and animal wellbeing make up Fonterra's refreshed sustainability roadmap released last week.
The Government is introducing a new nationwide rural recycling scheme that will significantly increase the recovery of farm plastics from March next year, Minister for the Environment Nicola Grigg announced today.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…