West Otago couple count their blessings
The five finalists have been decided for the Otago Daily Times and Rural Life Year of the Farmer initiative. This week, rural editor Sally Rae talks to the first of the finalists, Heriot-based...
Flood recovery funding boost ‘very positive’
Flood recovery funding boost ‘very positive’
Flooding in Southland and Otago sparked the declaration of states of emergencies in both provinces last month.Huge response to Year of the Farmer
Huge response to Year of the Farmer
The ODT and Rural Life have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm for the 2023 Year of the Farmer initiative, which celebrates the South Island’s food and fibre producing champions.Programme starting to grow in Otago
Programme starting to grow in Otago
Taieri teenager Finn Wilson, along with his heading dog Chick, is the first student to enrol in a two-year programme providing practical experience on a sheep and beef farm in Otago.
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Dairy
Detecting heat signs linchpin of success
Recognising the signs a cow is on heat is crucial to a successful mating, a Southland dairy farmer says.
Young dairy breeder gives a helping hand
Young dairy breeder gives a helping hand
An auction for young breeders to buy stud calves is the brainchild of Waikaia breeder Megan Thomas.Electric dairy project manager awarded
Electric dairy project manager awarded
Scott Waddell has come a long way from starting his electrical trade 11 years ago, to leading one of New Zealand’s largest process heat decarbonisation projects.Farm harnessing Canadian genetics
Farm harnessing Canadian genetics
A South Otago dairy farmer is using Canadian genetics in a bid to curb frustrations from a lack of udder longevity in his herd.
Red Meat
Praises sung for South Devon breed
Nearly 40 South Devon cattle enthusiasts from around the world are in New Zealand for a conference and national tour, which included a stop on the Taieri last week.
Alliance records $97.9mloss
Alliance records $97.9mloss
Alliance Group has posted a loss before tax of $97.9 million for the financial year ending September 30 on a turnover of $2 billion.B+LNZ appointments
B+LNZ appointments
Southland farmer Murray Donald is the new chairman of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand directors’ independent remuneration committee.Southern steak judged best in the world
Southern ribeye steak judged best in the world
A steak selected at a North Otago meatworks has been judged the best in the world.
Horticulture
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Early cherries 'flying off the shelves'
Freeway Orchard owner Kristin Jackson checks the taste of the first of the season’s cherries picked for her Cromwell orchard shop.
Rockit makes move South
Rockit makes move South
Snack-sized apple business Rockit Global is expanding into the South Island to build its growing base.Turley family take a bite of the apple
Turley family take a bite of the apple
South Canterbury’s Turley family are breaking new ground in an apple orchard joint venture with Rockit Global.Programme offers on-job training
Programme offers on-job training
New fruit production training aims to make it easier for Central Otago employees and businesses to get the skills they need.
People
Italian textile-maker marks 30 years of NZ presence
Luxury Italian textile-maker Reda has celebrated 30 years of farm ownership in the central South Island.
Humbling to be picked for international conference
Humbling to be picked for international conference
Reporter Shawn McAvinue spends five minutes speaking to sheep and beef farmer Grant McNaughton, of North Otago.Organisation key for station cook
Organisation key for station cook
As a young girl growing up in the suburbs of Dunedin, Bailey Harris can recall a strong desire to one day work as a farm cook and nanny and she chuckles while she chats to Southern Rural Life.Calling time on farm after 81 years
Calling time on farm after 81 years
Errol Copland has never lived anywhere else but now he and wife Marylyn are preparing to farewell their Southland farm.
Rural Events
Farmers asked to tell their story
A call is being made for farmers to open their gates to the public for a national open farm day next year.
Hub set to host pre-harvest trial tour
Hub set to host pre-harvest trial tour
The Southland Arable Hub is set to host a pre-harvest trials tour and growers leading change discussion meeting.Long-held show a hit again
Long-held show a hit again
Early summer sun shone brightly on the South Otago A&P Show in Balclutha on Saturday.Lay of the land
Lay of the land
The South Devon Cattle Society World Conference visited Loch Lomond stud, south of Dunedin on the Taieri last week.
