By winning the 2013 Waikato Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title, Andrew and Michelle McPherson are well positioned to attract business growth opportunities.

Waterways in some parts of the Waikato have now dropped to flows which trigger restrictions on water takes, and the threat of this happening in other parts of the region is increasing, the Waikato Regional Council says.

The Waikato Regional Council says it's keeping a close watch on dry conditions in the region.

Agricultural contractors are reminded they must leave a buffer of at least 2m between waterways and areas cultivated for growing maize.

The Waikato Regional Council is looking at One Plan and implications for its own water policies.

DairyNZ advises Waikato farmers on high risk soils to seek early support in light of the Waikato Regional Council's new effluent compliance monitoring process.

Development project manager for effluent, Dr Theresa Wilson, says farmers will now consider how the changes may impact them so they can prepare for the season.

The Piako and Waitoa rivers in Waikato remain heavily swollen today following recent rains, while the Ohinemuri and Waihou have begun to recede. Further west, the lower Waikato River remains high.

Fresh heavy rain around the region over Sunday and Monday means the Waikato Regional Council is again closely monitoring river levels in the region for flood risk.

New Zealand already feeds about 20 million people around the world on top of our own population -- and has the potential to feed more, a University of Waikato expert says.

Most New Zealanders are townies these days but still value the rural sector. And that's why the National Agricultural Fieldays is such an important annual event, says the University of Waikato's inaugural chair of agribusiness, Professor Jacqueline Rowarth.