Rural bias?
OPINION: After years of ever-worsening results from our education system, the startling results from a maths acceleration programme stood out like a dog’s proverbials – the trial producing gains of one full year in just 12-weeks.
Thousands of UK students have successfully fought a beef-ban aimed at reducing their university’s carbon footprint.
The University of Edinburgh beef-ban was initially put forward at a student council, receiving a small majority of votes in favour.
The small majority meant that the University of Edinburgh’s student association had to put forward a motion to students to cease the sale of beef products in all of the association’s cafes and restaurants.
In a statement released on Facebook, the Edinburgh University Students' Association said that almost 6,000 students came forward to vote on the proposal, with 58% of students voting against it.
Farming UK reports that the motion was inspired by similar beef-bans at other universities, such as the University of Cambridge, whose University Catering Service banned beef and lamb in 2016.
Farming UK adds that the University of East Anglia also held a beef-ban, but this was overturned in December 2019.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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