Farm Worker Appreciation Day: Thanking NZ's Dairy Teams
OPINION: Today marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day – a day we’re proud to recognise here in New Zealand.
A mate of the Hound's thinks it was more than a bit dodgy when DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel recently announced the director elections for the industry good body.
In van der Poel's news release calling for candidates to stand for the board, he happened to 'forget' to mention that current director Jacqueline Rowarth was re-standing - but did happen to name other directors who were standing again.
The Hound's mate wants to know if this was a genuine error or a deliberate mistake.
He reckons it might be more of the latter than the former and surmises that because Dr Rowarth is not shy about expressing her opinion on things, perhaps van der Poel's omission was not a mistake.
Now he may very well think that, but this old mutt could not possibly comment.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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