With IT-based agriculture changing the way farming can be done, Lincoln University has developed a new programme to teach people the latest techniques. IT-based farming, known as precision agriculture, involves using technologies such as sensors to carry out soil or crop mapping. This allows farmers to use real-time data to place nutrients, fertilisers and chemicals […]
The Ministry of Primary Industries’ proposal to impose higher costs on the wine industry poses a major threat to the sector and in particular its export business, says Wanaka-based Principal Alistair King from Crowe Horwath. The MPI has said the increased levies are necessary to recover the costs of its regulatory programmes, yet the wine […]
The recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Korea will be a significant step towards reducing the overall amount of tariffs paid on New Zealand red meat exports, according to the Chairmen of Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA). Trade Minister Tim Groser signed this week the New Zealand […]
Increasingly complex and rapidly changing patterns in global food consumption, manufacturing and retailing are creating a whole new range of problems in food safety, according to Lincoln University Senior Lecturer in Food Microbiology Dr Malik Hussain. With commercial reputations on the line, the situation has prompted him and his colleagues, Senior Lecturer Dr Sue Mason […]
New Zealand farmer confidence rebounded in the first quarter of this year, led by improved optimism among dairy farmers. A net 13 percent of farmers were confident in the outlook for the agricultural economy in the first quarter, from a net 15 percent who were negative about the outlook in the fourth quarter of last year, […]
Beef industry representatives from across the district flocked to the inaugural Northern Beef Producer Expo last Friday – prompting organisers to commence planning for the next event. More than 300 people were in attendance – despite the hot and steamy conditions – and 49 trade displays featuring everything from troughs to tractors added colour and […]
The global success of Rockit™ apples has led to a $17 million investment into land development and a state-of-the-art food packaging facility in Havelock North. Minister for Economic Development, Hon. Steven Joyce officially opened the multi-million dollar food facility today (Wednesday). Havelock North Fruit Company managing director Phil Alison said world-wide consumer demand, which is […]
Two women deemed to be dedicated and inspiring influences in their dairy communities have won the Dairy Community Leadership Award at the annual Dairy Women’s Network Conference in Invercargill. The Dairy Community Leadership Award is open to all Dairy Women’s Network members and recognises dairying women who make significant contributions in their local community, through […]
Federated Farmers national board member and provincial president Katie Milne of Rotomanu, Lake Brunner, West Coast, has been named the 2015 Dairy Woman of the Year at the Dairy Women’s Network conference gala dinner in Invercargill. Milne farms with her partner at Rotomanu, Lake Brunner catchment on the West Coast of the South Island. They […]
Drought and the ratio of sheep to cattle farmed are the two factors with the biggest impact on sheep and beef farmers’ incomes this season. Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) today released its mid-season update. Six months ago, the organisation’s new season outlook predicted the average farm profit before tax would be around $110,800 […]