Fieldays hold out the begging bowl
OPINION: When someone says “we don’t want a handout, we need a hand up” it usually means they have both palms out and they want your money.
A new, easy-to-use cover for utes that doesn't require holes drilled into the bodywork will be taking pride of place on the Toyota, Isuzu and Volkswagen vehicles at this year's National Fieldays.
Best Bars roll-up tonneau cover uses an alloy frame that is fixed to the top of the wellside tray with specially designed brackets to lock it into place, providing a smart and attractive appearance, and also keeping the weather at bay. Removable ribs inside the cover keep it taut over the tray.
As the name suggests, the cover simply rolls up when the ribs are removed and it can be stored right behind the cab when the driver needs to transport tall or bulky items. Elasticated straps are incorporated into the design to keep the rolled-up cover tightly in place while the Ute is underway.
The new cover has further advantages over ordinary fabric tonneau covers, which can stretch and tear more easily without the supporting and protective frame that is an integral part of the product. The material used is a heavy-duty vinyl, which still retains its soft feel even though it is very tough.
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
The black and white coat of Holstein- Friesian cows is globally recognised as a symbol of dairy farming and a defining trait of domestic cattle. But until recently, scientists didn’t know which genes were responsible for the Holstein’s spots.
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.

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