Who's the glutton?
OPINION: We are told there is a wine glut - production outstripping demand worldwide - and the words 'wine lakes' are being thrown around.
Wine growers have welcomed the economic cooperation agreement signed this week between New Zealand and Taiwan, giving New Zealand wine tariff-free access to the Taiwan market as soon as it comes into force next year.
The deal advantages New Zealand wine exporters, says general manager advocacy and trade for New Zealand Winegrowers, Dr John Barker.
"Taiwan is a small but developed market well suited to the premium wine styles New Zealand offers.
"Asia is an increasingly important destination for New Zealand wines. This agreement will make New Zealand the only wine exporter with tariff-free access to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan."
Trade Minister Tim Groser says the deal will benefit New Zealand exporters, "enhancing New Zealand's growth prospects through vastly improved links with a major Asian economy.
"It will immediately eliminate the tariffs for over 70% of current exports to Chinese Taipei, and will eventually allow 100% of New Zealand goods to enter tariff-free."
All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.