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: Your old mate reckons the farmer protests recently held in Holland makes the chaps at Groundswell look like saints.
In early July, Dutch farmers took to the highways and byways around Holland, blocking supermarkets, distribution centres and roads in response to its government's plans to cut nitrogen emissions.
It even led to police firing shots at the tractor-riding farmers.
Dutch farmers were protesting plans to slash fertiliser use and reduce livestock numbers, which may force some farms to shut down (sound familiar?).
The Dutch government says it wants to reduce livestock emissions of nitrogen oxide and ammonia by 2030 by 70% in some areas.
Imagine how the bedwetters - lefty, social media supporters of our govt - would have reacted if this protest had happened here.
They got their knickers in a twist over a couple of signs criticising the PM!
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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