NZ catches up with new health claims standards

By Peter Brown Food and beverage businesses need to make sure the nutrition and health claims on their products stack up, after new standards regulating these claims kicked in recently. The new rules couldn’t be more timely, with New Zealand’s food industry on a high. The health foods and health-giving foods sector is booming here […]

NZ’s ultimate rural challenge begins

New Zealand’s ultimate rural challenge, FMG Young Farmer of the Year, takes place at regional locations around the country. Now in its 48th year, the iconic Contest displays the finest of New Zealand Young Farmers in a range of action-packed challenges. In the lead up to the seven Regional Finals in 2016, over 250 Young […]

Perfect Weather Grows Outstanding New Zealand Apples

Perfect Weather Grows Outstanding New Zealand Apples

Four weeks of perfect apple growing weather and New Zealand’s $700 million record crop is looking spectacular – in fruit size, quality and flavour. Pipfruit New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard said New Zealand is growing the best apples in the world. “We are already number one for our international competitive edge and this season […]

Sustainable Foods Summit Europe Agenda Announced

The European edition of the Sustainable Foods Summit will feature sustainable ingredients, and approaches to tackle food losses & waste. Taking place on 9-10th June, the executive summit will be hosted in Amsterdam for the eighth consecutive year. The proceedings will open with a discussion on the implications of COP21. The food industry generates a […]

Solar innovation a relief for drought-stricken farmers

Solar innovation a relief for drought-stricken farmers

A solar water pump system is helping get much needed water to stock on remote hill country farms and has captured international interest from water-stressed countries. Central Hawke’s Bay electrical and pumping business Isaacs Pumping & Electrical has been developing the technology over the last two years with support from Callaghan Innovation. Isaacs Electrical directors […]

Thirsty cows pump their own water

Thirsty cows pump their own water

 Cows grazing on remote New Zealand  farms can now pump their own drinking water and be fully fenced off from precious waterways thanks to a Kiwi company’s newest product. Shoof International, a veterinary equipment company which specialises in farm innovations, have just launched their new Grazing Pump. It allows cattle to drink from a trough […]

Commission releases final report on dairy sector competition in NZ

The Commerce Commission has today released its final report on the state of competition in New Zealand’s dairy industry. The review began in June last year at the request of the Minister for Primary Industries as required under the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA). Having considered submissions on the draft report released in November, […]

OVERSEER’s significant contribution to New Zealand agriculture 

“OVERSEER is a tool that has given a great deal to the agriculture sector and will keep giving for the foreseeable future,” says Caroline Read the General Manager of OVERSEER. “It’s a gift that keeps giving,” she says. This follows the release of an independent valuation report prepared by Hamilton-based agricultural economist Phil Journeaux entitled […]

NZ small dairy farmers content with their lot

NZ small dairy farmers content with their lot

New Lincoln University research has found many small dairy farmers are content with the size of their operation, despite the constant calls for economic growth. Dr Victoria Westbrooke and Dr Peter Nuthall, from the Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce, surveyed 330 randomly selected farmers running small dairy farms for the small farmers’ organisation (SMASH). The […]