Stop the rot!
OPINION: Bayer Crop Science closing its Hastings research site could be the tip of the iceberg.
OPINION: The image of regenerative farmers as kind, cuddly progressive types took a hit when one of their own took to social media to gloat over Bayer Crop Science's decision to close its Hastings research site.
The closure is a worry, especially given the very real potential for other multinationals to pull away from local product development.
NZIER estimates that NZ would suffer economic losses of $7.5 to $11.4 billion without effective crop protection.
Bayer's withdrawal will cost jobs and mean fewer tools for farmers.
Our 'kind & cuddly' regen farmer reckons, "Great to see this poison company leaving!"
He says "smart farmers" like him are adapting to life without chemicals and the rest of you are "dinosaurs".
Humble as well as kind! Your old mate reckons if this is how their poster boy acts, the 'regen' lobby needs a rebrand!
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.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…