Shawn McAvinue

Postgraduate research on red meat

Meat Industry Association scholarship recipient Todd Fortune researches in The Hub on the Otago...

Postgraduate research on red meat

Southern students considering careers in the red meat processing and exporting sector were among the Meat Industry Association scholarship recipients for 2021. In a series, reporter Shawn McAvinue...

Proud of progress in dairy industry

Southland-Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year Sophie White has no regrets leaving school to work in...

Proud of progress in dairy industry

Southlander Sophie White has never looked back after making a snap decision to leave school to enter the dairy industry, and she has a tattoo to show it.

100 years on the land

The Frame family recently celebrated 100 years of farming Burnbank in Teviot Valley. Shawn McAvinue talks to Bill and Gwenda Frame about how four generations have transformed the land.

Drought declaration extended to Otago

Jeff Parker, of Dunedin, walks his four dogs and one for a friend across a dry Chisholm Park...

Drought declaration extended to Otago

A drought classification in Otago has not sparked a flood of calls to a support hotline, the Otago Rural Support Trust says.

Woolhandlers head back to class

New Zealand Wool Classers Association executive officer Bruce Abbott, of Mosgiel, displays...

Woolhandlers head back to class

A new wool clip grading course has been launched to give confidence to buyers and recognise the "important" work carried out by experienced woolhandlers.

Fencers share knowledge, skills

Waratah Fencing New Zealand regional manager Brendon Crequer (left) listens to a question at a...

Fencers share knowledge, skills

No-one was sitting on the fence — everyone agreed the sharing of techniques, product knowledge and safety tips benefits the fencing industry.

Using Mandarin to meat a need

Southern students considering careers in the red meat processing and exporting sector were among the Meat Industry Association scholarship recipients for 2021. In a series, reporter Shawn McAvinue...

Managing recovery from head injury a team effort

2021 Southland-Otago Dairy Manager of the Year winner Gary Sunshine-Tervit and his wife Daniella...

Managing recovery from head injury a team effort

Central Southland dairy farmer Gary Sunshine-Tervit was feeling suicidal when his wife gave him an ultimatum.

Looking after the land a ‘passion’

Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards supreme winners Ben and Anna Gillespie realise a vision to...

Looking after the land a ‘passion’

Looking after the land is a "passion" for Central Otago farmers Ben and Anna Gillespie.

Complaints show ‘thriving’ demand

University of Otago commerce student Jack Coakley relaxes on campus in Dunedin. PHOTO: SHAWN...

Complaints show ‘thriving’ demand

Southern students considering careers in the red meat processing and exporting sector were among the Meat Industry Association scholarship recipients for 2021. In a series, reporter Shawn McAvinue asks them about their study and their plans.

New chapter continues with sale of vehicles

John Tremaine relaxes on his 1964 Wolseley 6/110 in Mandeville ahead of his clearing sale on...

New chapter continues with sale of vehicles

After celebrating his 70th birthday, John Tremaine kept a vow to sell his farm and is holding a clearing sale of vintage cars, tractors and farm machinery in Eastern Southland on Friday.

Kauana Sheep Dog Trial Club Centennial

Kauana Sheep Dog Trial Club Centennial

Triallists and their dogs descended upon the Kauana Sheep Dog Trial Club’s centennial in Otapiri Gorge in central Southland on Friday and Saturday. Shawn McAvinue was there and asked some...

Pair off to Russia

New Zealand Ploughing Association president James Burnby gets set to compete in his Case...

Pair off to Russia

South Island ploughmen Ian Woolley and Bob Mehrtens are set to represent the nation in Russia after winning their classes at the 66th New Zealand Ploughing Championships in Eastern Southland on the...

Heriot saleyards closure sad but inevitable

West Otago farmer Graham Walker walks on a rail at Heriot saleyards. PHOTOS: SHAWN MCAVINUE

Heriot saleyards closure sad but inevitable

The Heriot saleyards closing after being a community meeting point for more than a century is sad but the writing was on the wall, a West Otago farmer says.

Field day to refresh sheep classing skills

Livestock Confirmation owner Guy Martin is set to show his sheep classing skills at a field day...

Field day to refresh sheep classing skills

Traditional sheep classing skills to achieve genetic gains across all breeds will be on show at a field day in eastern Southland today.

Weekend set for trial of the century

Kauana Sheep Dog Trial Club member Rod Coulter pats his heading dog Blue and huntaway Bruce, as...

Weekend set for trial of the century

Every dog has its day. About 100 sheep dog triallists are hoping it will be their day at a centennial event in central Southland from Friday.

Singing praises of shorthorns

New Zealand Milking Shorthorn Association Otago-Southland branch president Bronwyn Brown checks...

Singing praises of shorthorns

Milking shorthorn dairy cows might raise a red flag with bank managers but the breed is making great genetic gains and has more to offer than other breeds, a South Otago farmer says.

Display of traditional classing for sheep

Display of traditional classing for sheep

Traditional sheep classing skills to achieve genetic gains across all breeds will be on show at a field day in eastern Southland on Thursday. Livestock Confirmation owner Guy Martin will class a...

The king of his pumpkin patch

Peirce Orchard owner Darryl Peirce relaxes on a bin of pumpkins harvested on his farm in Millers...

The king of his pumpkin patch

The self-proclaimed "pumpkin king" of Central Otago has finished harvesting more than 80 tonnes after battling aphids, drought, hail and rabbits.

Saleyards a magnet for Knight

Retired trucking company owner Forbes Knight inspects calves at Mt Benger Saleyards near Roxburgh...

Saleyards a magnet for Knight

A retired trucking company owner continues to visit a stock sale in Central Otago to have "a nosey" and shout smoko.

Search form

Search form

Shawn McAvinue