As barbeque season gets into full swing, New Zealand researchers are investigating whether certain kinds of red meat could actually protect against heart disease.

Sheep and beef farmers are increasingly finishing stock on hill country forage crops and pastures, with a resultant drop in erosion risk.

Plant breeding research for pastoral farming has shifted from the likes of AgResearch to private institutions, says Derek Woodfield, GM research and development, PGG Wrightson Seeds.

Grass grub and porina are causing $2.3 billion of damage to New Zealand pastures annually, according to an AgResearch study.

OPINION: Two important pieces of work released in the last couple of weeks bring into clear focus the challenge New Zealand faces in its greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

We all know how important it is to get eight hours sleep, and while cows have different sleep patterns from us, they do need to spend a similar amount of time lying down. 

New research into genetics and breeding could lead to New Zealand raising livestock with lower nitrogen emissions and so lower greenhouse gas effects. 

A New Zealand-developed genetically modified ryegrass has reached an important milestone, entering a full growing trial in the US.

A newly developed genetically modified ryegrass could be a game-changer for farming, says AgResearch.

Farm biosecurity in New Zealand needs to take a quantum leap forward whether for velvetleaf or any other threat, says AgResearch senior scientist Trevor James.