Rural Life | Otago Daily Times Online News

Higher efficiency, productivity couple’s goal

The 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards supreme winner will be announced at a ceremony in Christchurch on July 2.

Dairy

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Rich-listers snap up '$140m' Hāwea farm

A former Queenstown-Lakes District mayor and one of New Zealand’s richest men are set to take over a 3000ha farm in Hāwea Flat.

Which butter tastes best?

Which butter tastes best?

When it comes to butter, paying more doesn't necessarily pay off, a new taste test shows.
Milk prices up after recent slide

Milk prices up after recent slide

A drop in milk volumes sold saw prices rise at the Global Dairy Trade auction, stopping the slide seen at the previous two events.
Cut-price US butter causing confusion on supermarket shelves

Cut-price US butter causing confusion on supermarket shelves

A cut-price American butter on supermarket shelves, which has been packed in Christchurch, is causing confusion among some shoppers because it's wrapped up like a Kiwi product.

Red Meat

Stud sale season begins in South

Being the first southern bull sale of the season can be a double-edged sword, a vendor says. The rising 2-year-old bull sale season in Otago and Southland begins at Puketoi Angus stud in the...

Many tools available to aid bull buying

Many tools available to aid bull buying

New Zealand’s beef industry is booming with record prices being paid for weaners.
Programme aims to grow sector

Programme aims to grow sector

Bobby calves present both a challenge and an opportunity, a southern animal scientist says.
Paddock-to-plate business given ‘twist’

Paddock-to-plate business given ‘twist’

A trip to the United States three years ago was a catalyst for Marc and Jess Hamilton to add a paddock-to-plate lamb business to their already busy lives.

Horticulture

Former SAS corporal Willie Apiata. Photo: supplied

War hero to speak to arable sector

The nation’s most decorated living war hero is giving arable farmers a morale boost in Canterbury.

Orchard being developed by fund

Orchard being developed by fund

A vast apple orchard being developed by the NZ Super Fund over 250 hectares at a cost of $120 million is employing hundreds of workers in Mid-Canterbury.
‘Walking encyclopedia’ left seeds

‘Walking encyclopedia’ left seeds

A senior research agronomist is being remembered as a "walking encyclopedia" in seed research.
Kiwis not getting their five-plus a day: vege boss

Kiwis not getting their five-plus a day: vege boss

At a time when both Wattie's and McCain have announced factory closures, supermarket retailer Woolworths says sales of frozen vegetables have been declining.

People

Hosting the Ballance Farm Environment Awards Otago regional supreme winner open day on their...

Higher efficiency, productivity couple’s goal

The 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Awards supreme winner will be announced at a ceremony in Christchurch on July 2.

Southland family chasing environmental gains on deer, dairy grazing farm

Southland family chasing environmental gains on deer, dairy grazing farm

A Southland family continues to make environmental gains since diving in the deep end to go deer farming.
Cowgirl wins full ride towards dream

Cowgirl wins full ride towards dream

Being one of New Zealand’s top rodeo riders, Sky Sanders has had some rough rides.
ES appoints new chief exec

ES appoints new chief exec

Environment Southland has appointed Stephen Hall as its new chief executive.

Rural Events

Maniototo Young Farmers Club members Caleb Flett and Maddie Palmer weigh kale on Phil Dowling’s...

Countdown on to Maniototo Lions’ winter crop contest

The Maniototo Lions Club winter crop contest has attracted a record number of entries.

Southern competitors clean up

Southern competitors clean up

Southern competitors took home most of the top prizes at the South Island Sheep Dog Trial Championships.
Buoyant beef market creates buzz for bull sale

Buoyant beef market creates buzz for bull sale

Maniototo bull breeder Stu Duncan is buoyant about the leadup to his sale.
Tour hosts genetic connection

Tour hosts genetic connection

A South American farmer has a personal connection to one of his tour stops — an Angus stud in North Otago.

Rural Events

ODT Regions

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Iwi 'disappointed' over Santana chair’s Aboriginals remarks
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Politicians duke it out over energy transition
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Record 552 submissions on council’s annual plan received
SH8 near Lake Pukaki reopens after crash