Rural and farming news
Rural homebirth: Midwife returns to tragedy after popping out for lunch
The baby was pronounced stillborn after resuscitation attempts failed.
Hundreds of fish beached at Ninety Mile Beach due to predator chase
Experts advise caution, saying beached fish may be unsafe to eat.
‘Really lucky’: Farmers grateful for training programme
Growing Future Farmers is a training programme aimed at increasing industry skills.
Meet the weed boat driver keeping Hawke’s Bay streams flowing
'Don’t worry, the ducklings can swim faster than this thing.'
Northern Ireland to the North Island: A well-travelled tractor
Stanley Wilson's 33-year-old 3080 is still in regular use.
New investors for Spring Sheep Milk Co
Spring Sheep has 16 suppliers, mainly based in Waikato.
Dairy farming
Synlait returns to profit, beats forecast
Synlait has beaten its first-half earnings forecast after going into the red last year.
Once-a-day milking a winning choice for King Country couple
OAD milking move made in the 2023-24 season as costs were getting 'out of control'.
New investors for Spring Sheep Milk Co
Spring Sheep has 16 suppliers, mainly based in Waikato.
The Country Radio Show
DairyNZ: Two strong payout seasons predicted despite challenges
Sponsored content: Could the 25/26 season be one for the history books?
Property report: Rural real estate market shows strong growth
Sponsored content: The rural real estate market is experiencing renewed activity.
Blair McLean talks wine on The Country
Chris Brandolino, Blair McLean, Kevin Smiley Barrett, Stu Duncan, Stu Loe, Barry Soper.
Premium
S&P says Fonterra’s balance sheet can handle Mainland sale
Fonterra's balance sheet will offset the impact of its planned sale Mainland, S&P says.
Matthew Hooton: Luxon’s India trade push could secure second term
OPINION: The PM might gain from trying the same approach he used in New Delhi back home.
Stock Takes: Is gold a good bet?
Gold has hit a record high this week but is it a good investment?
Dairy farmers set for bumper earnings in 2025
Farmers look set to receive a high milk price and dividend from Fonterra this year.
Is the economy’s ‘surprise’ bounce the start of a real recovery?
Stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter GDP growth is good news, but can it last?
‘What is there to lose?’ Couple take over one of North Island’s most remote pubs
Five families from the area purchased the pub in 2024 so the community wouldn’t lose it.
Horticulture
‘Strong sense of confidence’: Kiwifruit industry eyes record harvest
The kiwifruit industry picked up last year and things are looking good for 2025.
Peter and Michelle Pan Auckland Farm Environment Awards winners
Healthy and Fresh specialises in leafy greens and melons, cultivating 30 varieties.
Sheep and beef
New investors for Spring Sheep Milk Co
Spring Sheep has 16 suppliers, mainly based in Waikato.
Northlanders make finals in Young Māori Farmer Award
Two Northland men are among leading three in this year's Young Māori Farmer Award
Matthew Hooton: Luxon’s India trade push could secure second term
OPINION: The PM might gain from trying the same approach he used in New Delhi back home.
Technology
Meat 'umamification' idea tops Dragon's Den competition
AgResearch senior scientist Renyu Zhang's idea makes use of lower-value product.
Apples that can grow in 40C, dragon fruit for NZ - scientists preparing our fruit for a warm future
Both projects are finalists for the Science New Zealand Awards 2025 in March.
Rural business
‘Undermined the system’: Fisher fined for under-reporting catch by more than 2000kg
Daniel Lovell sold 1738kg more spat than reported in the 2021/22 year.
Synlait returns to profit, beats forecast
Synlait has beaten its first-half earnings forecast after going into the red last year.
‘Strong sense of confidence’: Kiwifruit industry eyes record harvest
The kiwifruit industry picked up last year and things are looking good for 2025.
Rural life
Rural homebirth: Midwife returns to tragedy after popping out for lunch
The baby was pronounced stillborn after resuscitation attempts failed.
'The wisdom of planting timber' in 1924
One farmer made £55 off a giant pine felled on a Pākōwhai farm in 1924.
Winter is the perfect time to grow your gardening knowledge
Opinion: Time to curl up by the fire with a good pile of gardening books by your side.