Migration essential for the future
OPINION: The New Zealand dairy sector attracts the best and brightest from around the world; aspirational farmers that want to make the highest quality products in the best environment.
OPINION: Your old mate hears that the question, who exactly is the National Party's spokesman, is one of the biggest mysteries in farming circles since the rabbit calicivirus was illegally released back in 1997.
According to the Hound's sources, a recent series of farmer meetings found that more than 70% of those attending couldn't name who National's ag spokesman is.
In an effort to uncover the truth, this old mutt has done some tireless research and discovered that the invisible man is actually one David Bennett.
Apparently Bennett's been an MP since 2005 and was tossed out by the electors of Hamilton at the last election, but snuck back into parliament via the party list.
Bennett is supposedly a 'close personal friend' of Judith Collins and better known by the moniker FU - which stands for F#@&ing Useless! Which is totally appropriate, considering his complete invisibility.
Under pressure wine growers say the appointment of a new chief executive will bring a fresh perspective, renewed focus, and a clear, united vision for the industry.
Three farmer lobby groups are applying the blowtorch to political parties on key issues facing the primary sector ahead of the general elections.
Average sheep and beef farm profit is forecast to double this year, and rural communities are set to reap the benefits.
While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.
Irish Minister of State of Agriculture, Noel Grealish was in New Zealand recently for an official visit.
While not all sibling rivalries come to blows, one headline event at the recent New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North certainly did, when reigning World Champion Jack Jordan was denied the opportunity of defending his world title in Europe later this year, after being beaten by his big brother’s superior axle blows, at the Stihl Timbersports Nationals.

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…
OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…