Sally Rae

Five finalists have been named for this year's Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

When it came to the cute factor at the Upper Clutha A&P Show, it was hard to go past the Country Camp Cooker.

The Merriman name is closely linked with Australia's merino sheep industry.

They joke they could be Dunedin's answer to the Kardashian family.

As dry conditions continue in North Otago, a world-record canola crop harvested at Hilderthorpe has provided proof of the benefits of irrigation.

Alliance Group is keen to continue discussions with Meat Industry Excellence to ''better understand'' a report which suggested extensive plant rationalisation throughout New Zealand.

''Time is now of the essence'' when it comes to the future of New Zealand's red meat industry, Ross Hyland says.

Closing 13 sheep and six beef processing plants throughout New Zealand would result in savings of $215.5 million a year, international consultancy firm GHD has found.

Farmers affected by drought are mostly ''coping OK'', Otago Rural Support Trust co-ordinator Dave Mellish says.

Ask Rick Aubrey why he keeps dog trialling and the answer is succinct: ''Too old to play footy, aren't I?''

Creating a brand for New Zealand red meat that is verified as meeting fishable and swimmable water quality objectives is the mission of Food, Farms and Freshwater.

In late January, David Surveyor took over as chief executive of Alliance Group. He talks to agribusiness reporter Sally Rae about the new role.

Johnny Bell is too busy to be sick.

Wools of New Zealand chief executive Ross Townshend has resigned to pursue his own business and personal interests.

Dunedin entrepreneur Hayden Breese believes the timing is ''perfect'' to launch a new product on the market allowing people to stand at their desks.

Burger lovers can rejoice - Wendy's has opened its doors in Dunedin.

Luxury Italian clothing brand Loro Piana's new super fine wool contracts with the New Zealand Merino Company for 15.2-16.1 micron fibre provides ''some certainty'' leading into a new season, NZM chief executive John Brakenridge says.

It's time to be audacious.