Election 2026: Rural Lobby Groups Challenge Parties on Agriculture Policy
Three farmer lobby groups are applying the blowtorch to political parties on key issues facing the primary sector ahead of the general elections.
OPINION: The Hound was flabbergasted at the over-the-top censoring actions of the National Fieldays lackeys at this year's event.
Rural ginger group Groundswell - who had paid big money for a stand to exhibit at this year's Fieldays - were stopped by organisers from selling its signature golf balls featuring the faces of the Prime Minister, Agriculture Minister, Climate Change Minister, and Environment Minister.
Apparently, Groundswell were narked on by Labour supporters.
The Fieldays organisers then - acting like a bunch of government toadies and stormtroopers - acquiesced to this complaint and forced Groundswell to stop selling the 'offending' golf balls.
However, the censure move backfired on Fieldays organisers and Labour party hacks with various news outlets, social media platforms, and even the 6pm news reporting on the over-the-top reaction.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.

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