Federated Farmers is once again championing the whio (blue duck) to take the Bird of the Year title. New Zealanders sticking to their home bubble under COVID alert levels should feel some affinity for this plucky and endangered native duck because they also live rather isolated lives in the less modified catchments of the Urerewa, […]
Events
Farmer’s high fashion event a celebration of the unexpected
‘Town meets country’ themed articles are usually about produce, animals and tractors featuring in urban parades, festivals or markets. But Eden Hore: High Fashion/High Country – like the Central Otago farmer himself – is one out of the box. Eden was a high country farmer from Naseby. Nationally admired for his sheep and beef farming […]
Emma boots up to get others to Outward Bound
It’s challenging enough to tackle your first marathon. But to run it in gumboots and milking shed overalls?! Nineteen-year-old Emma Blom just takes all the raised eyebrows and ‘you’re crazy’ comments in her stride. “I wanted to do something a bit different,” she says, “and also to make a difference”. The ‘making a difference’ bit […]
Eight finalists announced for prestigious trans-Tasman agricultural award
Judges of the Zanda McDonald Award, Australasia’s agricultural badge of honour, have announced eight finalists, and will crown not one but two winners for 2022 – one from each side of the Tasman. Now in its eighth year, the prestigious award recognises future young leaders working in agriculture, and provides an impressive prize package […]
Update from the Canterbury floods
We are now at day 106 after the 2021 Canterbury floods, and even though his own farm was ravaged by floodwater in the May 30th floods, Federated Farmers board member Chris Allen still managed to document the journey via a series of short videos. We have put them all together in a short video that […]
Recognition for Forestry’s highest achievers in 2021.
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has announced the winners of its prestigious 2021 awards. In what has been an exceptionally volatile year for many, the forestry sector remains a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy. NZIF President James Treadwell says the industry is working hard to benefit Aotearoa / New Zealand and […]
Herbicide resistance greater than expected; growing concern
Herbicide resistance is emerging as a serious and growing threat to New Zealand’s food production, with recent surveys by scientists finding half or more of arable farms and vineyards in some regions have weeds resistant to commonly used herbicides. AgResearch scientists, who are carrying out the first systematic approach to surveying for herbicide-resistant weeds in […]
Miraka donated milk on the way to local foodbanks
Earlier this week Taupō-based dairy company Miraka processed over 20,000 litres of farmer-donated milk, which will be distributed to local foodbanks through farmer-founded charity Feed Out. The milk has been donated by Miraka farmers to provide direct local support to a growing number of families in need. Wayne Langford, Founder and General Manager of Feed […]
Applications for prestigious trans-Tasman agriculture award open
The search is on to uncover talented young individuals in agriculture, with applications for the 2022 Zanda McDonald Award opening this Sunday. The trans-Tasman award provides an opportunity for young Kiwis and Aussies working in agriculture to fast track their careers and personal development, through an impressive prize package that puts the winner in the […]
Norwood’s first Viticulture Day a success
Norwood’s inaugural Viticulture Day was a hit with winegrowers and agriculturalists from around the Marlborough region, with over 200 people attending the event at the Marlborough A&P Showgrounds on 22 July.