Dry weather in some parts of the country is beginning to affect milk production, says Fonterra. In December 2019, the co-op collected 184 million kgMS from farmer suppliers: 0.6% down for the same month in 2018, according to its monthly … Continue reading →

Biosecurity New Zealand has ended fruit fly operations and lifted restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables on Auckland’s North Shore. The move signals the end of an almost year-long operation, including a massive effort by the community, triggered … Continue reading →

Like many of Toyota’s product ranges, the Hiace series has a history that dates back five decades. The arrival of its fifth series in 2019, sees the hardy workhorse being radically reworked for the next decade. Already incredibly popular in … Continue reading →

Harvesting 15 tonnes of cabbage in hailstorms and hand weeding paddocks under a scorching sun made a perfect training ground for Austin Singh Purewal. The 18-year-old, who won the NZ Young Vegetable Grower of the Year award two months ago, … Continue reading →

The pear industry is effectively playing catch-up and spearheading the race is a new variety of pears being developed under the Piqa brand.  Read: A move to increase the acreage and popularity of pears is gaining momentum. It’s burnished, dark red … Continue reading →

A move to increase the acreage and popularity of pears is gaining momentum. A new variety called Piqa Boo is now being grown for both the domestic and local market. It’s hoped that this, and other new varieties of pears, … Continue reading →

Farmer confidence is up but they doubt general economic conditions will improve this year, says Federated Farmers. Feds economics and commerce spokesperson Andrew Hoggard says higher commodity prices are boosting farm incomes: there has been a slight rise in profitability … Continue reading →

The Government is giving $12.7 million to make Northland more resilient in the face of extreme weather. The Northland Regional Council is getting $12m for the Northland Water Storage and Use Project and Kaipara District Council $745,000 for Kai for … Continue reading →

Meat processor Silver Fern Farms is being forced to divert product away from China as coronavirus ravages its biggest market. Read: Coronavirus starting to impact meat processing. SFF chief executive Simon Limmer says it is working with its Chinese partners to … Continue reading →

Disruption in China caused by the coronavirus is forcing meat processor Silver Fern Farms to reduce production from next week. Read: Coronavirus forces NZ meat shipments away from China. In an email to farmer suppliers, SFF chief executive Simon Limmer says … Continue reading →