SECOND YEAR Lincoln University PhD student Geoffrey Smith has won a $5000 scholarship from Farmax to advance his research into the strategic use of the drought-tolerant species lucerne as an alternative or complementary forage to ryegrass for Canterbury dairy farms. 

MILK FEVER is a metabolic disease caused by low blood calcium levels. In New Zealand about 2% of cows go down with milk fever each year1 but there is a higher incidence on some properties and in some seasons. This year has been particularly bad in some districts. 

RURAL SERVICE company PGG Wrightson has written off $321 million in goodwill charge and posted a loss of $306m for 2012-13.

The world's largest milk powder drier at Fonterra's Darfield site kicked into gear last week.

Fonterra chairman John Wilson and chief executive Theo Spierings will lead a board of directors' visit to China next week to meet with Fonterra management and key stakeholders.

THE PROPOSED Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme (RWSS) is now one of the most hotly debated topics in Hawkes Bay.

Mere lip service to sustainability is not in itself sustainable, says chemical company BASF. 

DISCUSSION ON the potential impacts of the restructuring at AgResearch were wiped by Fonterra’s news this month – yet for the rural economy (which is, of course, New Zealand’s economy), the restructuring could have just as dire and long term consequences.

HERDOWNERS SHOULD ensure the service bulls leased this season are tested for bovine tuberculosis (TB) before allowing them near their stock, says TBfree New Zealand.

Westland has lifted its 2013/14 forecast to $7.60-$8/kgMS before retentions- $1/kgMS more than the company's first forecast in May. The advance rate has also increased to $5/kgMS, payable September 20, 2013.