Farming

The National Agricultural Fieldays was officially opened online today (Mon) , replacing its usual opening event, normally held at Mystery Creek near Hamilton. The event, which attracted 130,000 people last year, was due to start in June but was postponed as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. New Zea

Low methane appears to be a breedable trait that does not affect economic value in sheep, and could lead to a cumulative 1 percent reduction in emissions each year, farmers have been told. AgResearch scientist Suzanne Rowe told a webinar organised by the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Resea

New Zealand’s red meat sector exported $884 million of sheepmeat, beef and co-products in May 2020, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA). Total red exports were slightly down (-2%) compared to the same period last year. A drop in exports to the United States ( -15%), UK (

Southland District Council chief executive Steve Ruru has resigned. Mr Ruru said his decision to resign was one of the hardest he has had to make. “I have enjoyed my time down here immensely and it’s been a fantastic opportunity. “However, this is the right decision for me and my family at this time

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (FCG) has announced that current Farmer Director, Peter McBride has been selected as the Co-operative’s Chairman-elect by his fellow Directors. Under Fonterra’s constitution, its Chairman is selected by the Board from within its pool of seven elected Farmer Direct

Fonterra farmers producing sustainable, high quality milk will be eligible for a new payment, as Fonterra announces important changes to the way it pays farmers for their milk. From 1 June 2021, Fonterra is introducing a Co-operative Difference Payment of up to 10 cents per kilogram of milk solids (

Yesterday’s aerial compliance inspections saw positive improvements in winter grazing practices. Environment Southland chief executive Rob Phillips said farmers were advised last year that winter grazing practices needed to be significantly improved and a joint approach by the Council, DairyNZ, Beef

Fonterra has announced an increase in third quarter earnings before tax of $301 million to $815m, despite the challenges from Covid-19. However the dairy cooperative has lowered its forecast payout to farmers for the season. Chief executive Miles Hurrell said all three business units have delivered