Keep What Works Working: NZ's New Resistance Campaign
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
The stalled merger proposal between EastPack and Satara is now back on the table after the Satara Board of Directors unanimously agreed to ask their shareholders in one of the special interest groups for a second vote.
This follows that sector group narrowly voting the merger down last Friday by 0.2% below the required 75% threshold.
Overall, 85% of Satara shareholders who voted were in favour of the proposed merger, while 97% of the EastPack shareholders voted for the merger.
Chairmen of the two companies, Ray Sharp and Hendrik Pieters said that the most pleasing aspect is that the whole Satara Board now supports the merger whereas three directors were previously opposed.
The meeting date of the new vote is March 14 but only for Special Interest Group 2. The EastPack and the four other Satara interest groups won't be required to vote again as they've already indicated overwhelming support for the merger.
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.
Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.

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