Rural Life

Farmer killed by falling tree named

Well-known Canterbury farmer Gavin King was killed on Friday after being trapped by a tree. The week before his death he spoke to reporter Susan Sandys about his love of mountain climbing, farming and Mt Everest.

Co-curator of the ‘‘Eden Hore: High Country High Fashion’’ exhibition Jose
...

Farmer’s unique fashion collection to be showcased

It is a Central Otago fashion collection with a twist — avante garde New Zealand garments from the 1970s and ’80s amassed by a Central Otago farmer.

Charity funding rural counselling

Charity funding rural counselling

It is something of a misnomer to think because farmers are used to isolation, that things such as lockdowns do not affect them the same as other people.
Fear forestry conversions impacting farming communities

Fear forestry conversions impacting farming communities

More Southern farmland is set to be covered in forestry.
Weather not worst for farmers

Weather not worst for farmers

A spring storm which hit the South during lambing was ‘‘grim’’ but farmers were prepared and have battled worse conditions, the head of Federated Farmers Otago says.

Dairy

Fonterra has reported its annual result. Photo / Supplied

Fonterra profit drops by $60 million, sets 20c dividend

Dairy giant Fonterra said its net profit dropped by $60 million in its latest financial year, driven by high milk prices - its main input cost.

Weather not worst for farmers

Weather not worst for farmers

A spring storm which hit the South during lambing was ‘‘grim’’ but farmers were prepared and have battled worse conditions, the head of Federated Farmers Otago says.
Winter grazing: council stresses proper planning

Winter grazing: council stresses proper planning

Acknowledging intensive winter grazing is a high-risk activity, Southland’s regional council has put an emphasis on the importance of proper planning.
Business grew from quest for flooring

Business grew from quest for flooring

A business was born when some West Otago dairy farmers were floored by a problem.

Red Meat

Tb outbreak affects West Coast herds

Herds which have been free of bovine tuberculosis for decades are caught up in a fresh outbreak at Hari Hari.

Weather not worst for farmers

Weather not worst for farmers

A spring storm which hit the South during lambing was ‘‘grim’’ but farmers were prepared and have battled worse conditions, the head of Federated Farmers Otago says.
Lamb prices forecast to rise further

Lamb prices forecast to rise further

Economists are predicting lamb prices could reach as high as $9.65-$9.75kg as they continue to exceed record highs.
Meat still being processed in Level 2

Meat still being processed in Level 2

Southern meat processing staff have ‘‘stepped up’’ to continue working during alert levels but global supply chain issues remain.

Rural Events

ODT Regions

Horticulture

For nearly two weeks foresters (from left) Lauren Queree, Dan Stewart and Peter Fleming have been...

Lord of the Rings pine forest destroyed by storms

An unassuming pine plantation that put the small rural town of Tarras on the map of Lord of the Rings fans has been destroyed by alpine thunder-and-lightning storms worthy of a battle between Gandalf and the Balrog.

Fear forestry conversions impacting farming communities

Fear forestry conversions impacting farming communities

More Southern farmland is set to be covered in forestry.
Paddocks ablaze with colour as sales plummet for daffodils

Paddocks ablaze with colour as sales plummet for daffodils

Sweep into Clandon Daffodil's driveway on the outskirts of Hamilton you'll be treated to an unusually vibrant spectacle.
Grower’s mind on struggles up north

Grower’s mind on struggles up north

Locked-down flower growers in Auckland are having to turn their blooms to compost, and an Invercargill grower understands their pain.

Focus on Farming

Ben Maxwell with some of his dogs. Mr Maxwell has traded Invercargill for farming in the Lindis...

Former townie making a go of it as head shepherd on Longacre Station

Ben Maxwell could be described as a throwback to a different era, one where the best rugby players were weaned on the land.

From ‘hopeless in the hills' to 'hearty' hunter

From ‘hopeless in the hills' to 'hearty' hunter

Partly, it’s the thrill of the chase. Mostly it’s spending hours alone in his backyard — the hills around Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes — that puts a smile on Lee Murray’s dial.
Combining Angus stud with child care as they work towards buying farm

Combining Angus stud with child care as they work towards buying farm

Queenstown couple Mike and Gemma Smith are proof there are other ways to make a living in their part of the world than jet-boat rides and pushing tourists off bridges with rubber bands attached.
Patience needed as farmers unable to effect change on their own all at once

Patience needed as farmers unable to effect change on their own all at once

Patience, please. We’re changing. That is the appeal from Maungawera farmer Grant Ruddenklau, as the rural sector navigates new freshwater regulations and climate change pressures.

People

Gavin King started small but built up a large family farming enterprise. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Farmer killed by falling tree named

Well-known Canterbury farmer Gavin King was killed on Friday after being trapped by a tree. The week before his death he spoke to reporter Susan Sandys about his love of mountain climbing, farming and Mt Everest.

Farmer’s unique fashion collection to be showcased

Farmer’s unique fashion collection to be showcased

It is a Central Otago fashion collection with a twist — avante garde New Zealand garments from the 1970s and ’80s amassed by a Central Otago farmer.
Charity funding rural counselling

Charity funding rural counselling

It is something of a misnomer to think because farmers are used to isolation, that things such as lockdowns do not affect them the same as other people.
Retiring chairman prepared to go the extra mile

Retiring chairman prepared to go the extra mile

Sleeping rough on the banks of the Taieri River for four nights to monitor spawning trout may seem extraordinary to some.

Rural Events

Canterbury A&P Association president Chris Harris has represented New Zealand in showjumping...

The show must go on: president

Chris Harris has been looking forward to presiding over the New Zealand Agricultural Show for longer than most.

Wins for pair in Daffodil Day contest

Wins for pair in Daffodil Day contest

Brothers Carter and Lucas Smith’s daffodil-inspired cupcake creation resulted in them being named the senior and junior winners, respectively, of Longbeach School’s Daffodil Day lockdown competition.
Markets eager to return

Markets eager to return

Farmers’ market organisers in the South are looking forward to welcoming shoppers back.
A powerful alliance

A powerful alliance

The Cromwell-based charity Central Lakes Trust (CLT) came of age this year, and since its inception in 2000, has distributed more than $100 million in grants to a wide range of community projects...

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