News
The cost of losing GE-free labelling on primary exports
A new report suggests they could be reduced by up to $10-20 billion in revenue each year.
Detecting and diagnosing mastitis in 15 minutes in the field
A New Zealand start-up wants to give farmers a tool similar to the Covid-19 rapid antigen test for detecting and diagnosing mastitis in the herd.
Shutting Timaru's Smithfield meatworks to cost Alliance more than $51m
The cost of shutting its Timaru meat works is costing the troubled red meat co-operative more than $51m.
Scheme putting vets in rural areas 'welcomed' but needs extending, says NZVA
Thirty-five graduate veterinarians will join rural areas in serious need of agricultural vets through the government's Voluntary Bonding Scheme.
NZ AI tech company partners with Brazilian beef giant
MindHive Global was started in 2011, but soon pivoted to using AI to detect blemishes and grade the quality of hides at leather tanneries.
Dry conditions in Hawke's Bay put farmers on edge
Ongoing dry conditions across Hawke's Bay have farmers on a knife's edge.
Fresh herbs producer thrives as NZers get more 'creative' with cooking
A large producer of fresh herbs like coriander and basil is flourishing as New Zealanders become more adventurous in the kitchen.
Growers warn vege prices will soar if production not priority in freshwater reform
Growers want commercial vegetable production to be a "priority of national significance" in freshwater regulations.
'Invisible' rural communities need more targeted mental health support
Advocates want the government to address health inequities people living in rural communities face, in efforts to improve outcomes for those living outside main centres.
Growers ponder ways to make mushrooms more appealing
The sector is hoping to spawn a fungi revival to get more of the healthy food item onto kitchen tables to boost grower returns.
Delay before new quarantine facility opens for plant, seed testing
MPI has pushed out the opening date for the facility that will test imported plant material by at least five months.
New Zealand's rate of afforestation worrying, Beef and Lamb NZ says
Latest figures show at least 261,000 hectares of sheep and beef farmland have been converted into forestry since 2017.
Hawke's Bay A&P Show packs a lot into two days
Organisers of the Hawke's Bay A&P Show say pulling back the iconic event from three days to two will help keep it alive.
Geothermal power emissions used to create livestock feed
A new project is looking at creating animal feed from the greenhouse gas emissions that come from geothermal power stations.
Dreaded moth problem a 'myth', 'overstated' - industry
New Zealand wool carpet companies are insisting wool-eating insects and pests are not as common as people think.
US citrus growers warn NZ about disease infestation
The growers championed disease prevention ahead of Citrus New Zealand's conference on Wednesday.
Sheepmeat sector told to target NZ consumers, diversify exports - Rabobank report
Sheepmeat export values dropped dramatically in the 2023-2024 season after two years of strong export returns.
Tatua plans to double production with new factory expansion
The farmer-owned co-op has invested $85 million into the construction project its board first approved in April.
NZ's 'massive blind spot' to lower animal welfare standards of imports - advocate
Animal welfare advocates are calling for imported animal products to meet New Zealand's welfare standards.
Backing for government's foot and mouth eradication plan
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says any incursion of the viral animal disease would have dramatic impacts on exportsas animal product exports would halt immediately.
Sheep farm profitability for next season 'sobering'; beef a 'green shoot' - BLNZ
It is looking like another challenging season ahead for the country's already struggling sheep farmers.
Bird flu: MPI says eradication unlikely if virus arrives in NZ
The Ministry for Primary Industries is working to mitigate the impact of any avian influenza outbreak brought to the country by migrating birds.
Agriculture industry hits out at proposed 'tax on a tax'
Agricultural aviators say a proposed increase of its industry levy will disproportionately impact agriculture.
Growers convene in Tauranga for HortNZ conference
Bay of Plenty has hosted hundreds of horticulture leaders, growers and those from support sectors.
Forestry groups welcome Emissions Trading Scheme reset
The government has updated settings of the Emissions Trading Scheme after falls in the carbon price.