Rural and farming news
‘Really lucky’: Farmers grateful for training programme
Growing Future Farmers is a training programme aimed at increasing industry skills.
Once-a-day milking a winning choice for King Country couple
OAD milking move made in the 2023-24 season as costs were getting 'out of control'.
Carbon credit deal to provide windfall for Māori landowners
The deal will earn forest trust about $9.3 million in annual payments for 10 years.
Northlanders make finals in Young Māori Farmer Award
Two Northland men are among leading three in this year's Young Māori Farmer Award
Water-saving efforts: Dargaville adapts to severe drought measures
Dargaville's water use dropped by 166,000 litres a day under level-four restrictions.
Peter and Michelle Pan Auckland Farm Environment Awards winners
Healthy and Fresh specialises in leafy greens and melons, cultivating 30 varieties.
Dairy farming
Once-a-day milking a winning choice for King Country couple
OAD milking move made in the 2023-24 season as costs were getting 'out of control'.
New investors for Spring Sheep Milk Co
Spring Sheep has 16 suppliers, mainly based in Waikato.
S&P says Fonterra’s balance sheet can handle Mainland sale
Fonterra's balance sheet will offset the impact of its planned sale Mainland, S&P says.
The Country Radio Show
Property report: Rural real estate market shows strong growth
Sponsored content: The rural real estate market is experiencing renewed activity.
The Country: Miles Hurrell on Fonterra's half-year result
Miles Hurrell, Sandra Matthews, Peter Newbold, Chris Russell, and Jeremy Rookes.
Premium
S&P says Fonterra’s balance sheet can handle Mainland sale
Fonterra's balance sheet will offset the impact of its planned sale Mainland, S&P says.
Matthew Hooton: Luxon’s India trade push could secure second term
OPINION: The PM might gain from trying the same approach he used in New Delhi back home.
Stock Takes: Is gold a good bet?
Gold has hit a record high this week but is it a good investment?
Dairy farmers set for bumper earnings in 2025
Farmers look set to receive a high milk price and dividend from Fonterra this year.
Is the economy’s ‘surprise’ bounce the start of a real recovery?
Stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter GDP growth is good news, but can it last?
‘What is there to lose?’ Couple take over one of North Island’s most remote pubs
Five families from the area purchased the pub in 2024 so the community wouldn’t lose it.
Horticulture
Peter and Michelle Pan Auckland Farm Environment Awards winners
Healthy and Fresh specialises in leafy greens and melons, cultivating 30 varieties.
'Not a great situation': Marlborough growers face tough wine season
Wine makers ask growers to leave some grapes unpicked in Marlborough.
Sheep and beef
New investors for Spring Sheep Milk Co
Spring Sheep has 16 suppliers, mainly based in Waikato.
Northlanders make finals in Young Māori Farmer Award
Two Northland men are among leading three in this year's Young Māori Farmer Award
Matthew Hooton: Luxon’s India trade push could secure second term
OPINION: The PM might gain from trying the same approach he used in New Delhi back home.
Technology
Meat 'umamification' idea tops Dragon's Den competition
AgResearch senior scientist Renyu Zhang's idea makes use of lower-value product.
Apples that can grow in 40C, dragon fruit for NZ - scientists preparing our fruit for a warm future
Both projects are finalists for the Science New Zealand Awards 2025 in March.
Rural business
New investors for Spring Sheep Milk Co
Spring Sheep has 16 suppliers, mainly based in Waikato.
S&P says Fonterra’s balance sheet can handle Mainland sale
Fonterra's balance sheet will offset the impact of its planned sale Mainland, S&P says.
Matthew Hooton: Luxon’s India trade push could secure second term
OPINION: The PM might gain from trying the same approach he used in New Delhi back home.
Rural life
'The wisdom of planting timber' in 1924
One farmer made £55 off a giant pine felled on a Pākōwhai farm in 1924.
Winter is the perfect time to grow your gardening knowledge
Opinion: Time to curl up by the fire with a good pile of gardening books by your side.
Northern Ireland to the North Island: A well-travelled tractor
Stanley Wilson's 33-year-old 3080 is still in regular use.