Farming

* Government aims to speed up approval of agricultural and horticultural products to boost productivity. * Review recommends halving approval times, potentially saving $272 million over 20 years. * Industry welcomes changes but urges swift action to rebuild confidence in the system. The Government has announced plans to cut red tape for agricultural

Dipton shearer Corey Palmer achieved a major milestone in his career by winning the South Island Shearer of the Year final at the Southern Shears in Gore on Saturday. The victory marked one of the biggest upset wins in recent Open-class shearing competitions in New Zealand. Palmer had not won

* Fonterra expects FY25 earnings to be in the upper half of its forecast range. * The Co-op has raised its milk collection forecast to 1,510 million kgMS. * A strong interim dividend is anticipated, supported by solid demand for key products. Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has provided an update on its

New Zealand’s southern most rodeo event is happening at Sandy Point this Saturday, with an expected crowd of around 3000. The Southland Rodeo Association Inc is part of a southern circuit that includes Lawrence, Outram, Mataura, Wanaka. Millers Flat, and Ranfurly. The club had about 30 members and was

* Wools of New Zealand welcomes Kāinga Ora’s decision to reconsider wool carpet in tenders. * The government supports wool, highlighting its benefits for homes, farmers, and exports. * Kāinga Ora will allow wool carpet suppliers to compete for contracts alongside synthetic options. Wools of New Zealand has expressed its support for

Alliance Group has strengthened its foothold in the premium chilled beef sector, following approval for two of its processing plants to export to China. The company’s Levin and Mataura plants have received certification to process and export chilled beef to China, a move that bolsters Alliance’s ability to

* Brad Fallow won Southland’s regional excavator competition, securing a spot in the national finals. * Competitors tackled precision tasks like tea-pouring, hazard-spotting, and a health and safety quiz. * Event highlighted the immense skill and precision of excavator operators to the public. Brad Fallow has emerged victorious in the CCNZ CablePrice

* Fonterra has started construction on a UHT cream plant in Edendale, Southland. * The $150 million project will create 70 jobs and double capacity by 2030. * Production will meet growing Asian demand, starting with 50 million litres annually. Construction has officially begun at Fonterra’s new ultra-high temperature (UHT) cream plant