Toni Williams

Mid Canterbury farmers continue their battle with Mycoplasma bovis and, in some instances, still facing ongoing battles to get compensation claims paid.

Farms are dangerous places, but people make them dangerous, Agricultural Leaders Health and Safety Action Group general manager Tony Watson says.

A snapshot of an ageing Highland bull was the catalyst that spurred rural photographer Amanda King to take a personal project and grow it into a successful company reaching international markets.

''It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut'' and it's not going to work, Federated Farmers general manager policy and advocacy Gavin Forrest says.

Community stalwart Rosa Bennett, who is nearing 90, is the humble recipient of an honorary Age Concern New Zealand's Dignity Champion award, and it took her by surprise.

Manuka honey exporters have welcomed the Government's plan to help secure the term ''manuka honey'' for New Zealand, ensuring the multimillion-dollar industry is protected.

''They're a pretty caring community,'' says Margaret Kelk, of her peers at Winchmore Rural Women New Zealand.

Ashburton Sailing Club members are keen to pass on their love of the water to the next generation of yachties.

The 67km long Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR) may have started from humble beginnings, with workers using picks, shovels and wooden wheelbarrows in its development at Klondyke, Mid Canterbury in 1937.

A boutique sheep milking operation on the edge of Ashburton is making cheese while the sun shines.

The rural community turned out in force to a Ministry for the Environment meeting in Ashburton earlier this month to hear discussion on the Governments's Essential Freshwater proposal and to voice...

There were no shortage of questions, and concerns, raised from the floor of the Ashburton primary sector meeting.

Arable farmer Ian Mackenzie and his wife Diana, opened their Eiffelton property in Mid Canterbury to Foundation for Arable Research's Women In Arable group, to have a close up look at how farming...

A boutique sheep-milking operation on the edge of Ashburton town is making cheese in the district while the sun still shines.

A pamper post-calving social event is planned by members of the Dairy Women's Network.

Eye contact, a firm handshake and honesty has taken Ashburton-based rural realtor Tim Gallagher from strength to strength.

''You're never too old to learn,'' says Women's Institute (WI) veteran Doris Wakelin.

Mycoplasma bovis has been confirmed on two properties in Mid Canterbury and a further 25 properties are under a notice of direction.

Empowering farmers working through the Mycoplasma bovis process involves Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) regional managers Charlotte Austin and Lydia Pomeroy working long hours.