Farming & Rural

Fonterra Co-operative Group has today completed the sale of its global consumer and associated businesses, Mainland Group, to Lactalis. Chairman Peter McBride says the completion of the sale is a significant milestone which sets the Co-op up for the future. “With the divestment complete, Fonterra can return capital to its

New Zealand’s local government structure has become an increasingly messy patchwork, and Federated Farmers says it’s time to clean it up. "The way councils are currently organised is a major factor in how effectively they serve their communities," Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.

A Southland farmer who invented edible bale netting has his eyes set on the international markets and the British royal family. Orepuki deer farmer, Grant Lightfoot is the creator of Kiwi-Econet, a non-polluting baleage netting that animals can eat, rather than traditional plastic. Baleage is a way of storing forage

Fonterra Co-operative Group has reported a solid financial performance for the first half of FY26, with revenue rising to $13.9 billion, up by $1.3 billion on the same period last year. The Co-op also posted an operating profit of $1,231 million and a profit after tax of

Police are reminding Clutha and Southland farmers and rural property owners to stay vigilant following a recent spate of burglaries across the district. Incidents have been reported in several locations, including Owaka, Tahakopa Valley, and Clinton, raising concerns about the security of rural properties. Authorities say burglars are often opportunistic,

Fonterra has announced that Chief Executive Officer Miles Hurrell will step down after a 25-year career with the co-operative, including eight years in the top role. Chair Peter McBride said Hurrell’s leadership since 2018 had played a key role in improving the organisation’s financial position and restoring confidence

Federated Farmers say controversial new requirements for every farmer in Gore to have resource consents assessed against Ngāi Tahu cultural values are excessive and unworkable. "Creating a parallel approval process will just increase cost, complexity, uncertainty and delays," the organisation’s Southland president Jason Herrick says. "It’

Renowned as the day when country comes to town, the 2026 Southland A & P Show is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to Donovan Park this Saturday 7 March. Now in its 156th year, the event continues to honour the rural traditions that have long shaped Southland’s identity.