Future for ag is bright
OPINION: It is a privilege to welcome you all to this year's Central Districts Field Days, the country's largest regional field days.
OPINION: It used to be that the National Fieldays attracted brickbats for being officious clipboard carriers, while the regional, farmer-run field days enjoyed the bouquets for being easier to deal with.
Your old mate hears things may be changing in the deep south however, with the previously cruisy Southern Field Days attracting a few grumbles.
Maybe as these outfits grow, so do their egos. Or perhaps the coffers are just running low.
How else to explain their new policy of charging exhibitors for extra tickets to attend sites they’ve already paid for; and charging rural media, who publicise the event for free, to attend?
It sounds like a small thing, but it’s a warning bell – a reminder that the now huge and officious Misery Creek was once known as a cruisy, farmer-run event too.
Be a shame for the regionals to follow them down the same road!
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

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