Helping farmers reach N targets
A DairyNZ programme to help farmers in two Canterbury catchments to reduce N loss has proved highly successful.
Dr Caroline Read has resigned as chief executive of Overseer to take up the role of chief executive at FishServe.
Read joined Overseer as general manager in 2013 and was appointed to the chief executive role in April 2016.
“Caroline has been instrumental in the establishment of Overseer Limited and the development of OverseerFm as a farm planning and management tool to help farmers and growers make better decisions to improve their farm’s environmental sustainability and productivity,” says Ian Clarke, board chair of Overseer Limited.
“Having built a high performing team around her, she has also been a driving force behind the ongoing development and continuous improvement of OverseerFm. She leaves with our best wishes and we congratulate Caroline on her new role,” Clarke says.
The board has initiated a search process for a new chief executive.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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