Farming

Telford students swapped their Red Band gumboots for formalwear last Thursday to celebrate their academic and training achievements at the 2025 graduation ceremony in Balclutha. After a wet morning, the skies cleared just in time for the afternoon event. The ceremony began with a lively procession through the town’s

Fonterra Co-operative Group has released its FY26 first-quarter business update, reporting a steady start to the financial year and continued focus on strategic delivery. Chief Executive Miles Hurrell said Fonterra’s Total Group profit after tax reached $278 million, a $15 million increase from the same period last year. This

The Telford equine team made a strong debut at the prestigious Royal Canterbury A&P Show held from 13–15 November in Christchurch. This was the first time the team, made up of nine students, two tutors, and two support staff, had competed at the event – and they certainly

New Zealand’s wild weather is unpredictable, but one thing is certain — there will be more of it. Over the past decade farmers have faced flooding, drought, damaging winds, snow, and cyclones. The destructive wind in Southland in October is just the latest example. It led to a state of

Fonterra’s farmer shareholders have given the go-ahead for the Co-operative to sell its global Consumer and associated businesses, Mainland Group, to Lactalis for $4.22 billion, with 88.47% of the total farmer votes cast in support of the divestment. The final votes on the divestment were cast at

Farmer-shareholders of meat processor Alliance Group have voted to approve a major new partnership with Irish red meat company Dawn Meats. The $270 million joint venture will see Dawn Meats acquire a 65 percent share of the co-operative, with the remaining 35 percent staying under farmer control. Voting closed on

This week is crunch week for one of Southland’s biggest businesses. Farmer shareholders of red meat processor The Alliance Group vote on whether the group accepts an offer from Irish-based meat processor Dawn Meats to take a 65% interest in the Invercargill-based co-operative. Initially, Dawn Meats offered a $250

Environment Southland’s heavy-handed approach to compliance is creating unprecedented stress and financial pressure for farmers, Jason Herrick says.  Last week the Southland Federated Farmers president slammed the council for sending farmers unexpected charges related to winter grazing compliance checks. Now he says the council’s unjustifiable compliance cash grab