Focus on Farming

The Upper Clutha, looking from Tarras towards Lake Hawea, and showing the Clutha River. PHOTOS:...

Positive goal but difficult to achieve results to please all

Clutha Environment Society sprang a surprise on rural landowners in the Upper Clutha Basin in early June. The two organisations came to an agreement that should clarify, and could tighten, subdivision and development rules in the rural zone.

Aerial top-dressing, deer among highlights of past century

Members of the Mackie family. From left: Logan Mackie, Coralea Donaldson, Bethany Versey, Ailsa...

Aerial top-dressing, deer among highlights of past century

In common with a record 70 families set to receive their Century Farm awards in Lawrence last month, the Mackies, of South Otago, were unable to share their story when Covid-19 intervened. Here they take the opportunity to do so.

Farmers farming for today, thinking about tomorrow

Paul Edwards, from Compass Agribusiness, works with both individual farmer clients and...

Farmers farming for today, thinking about tomorrow

Environmental care and protection is a topic never far from the forefront of public and media discourse.

Cotter passionate about supporting farmers in need

Cathie Cotter, of Dacre, is the new Southand Rural Support Trust chairwoman. Photo: Janette Gellatly

Cotter passionate about supporting farmers in need

Passionate about the rural sector and people’s welfare, Southland Rural Support Trust chairwoman Cathie Cotter says the best aspect of her role is being there for farmers.

Headwaters sheep ‘definitely superior’

Ben and Sarah Douglas, holding Arthur Douglas, and friend Brian Guthrie holding Bertie Guthrie....

Headwaters sheep ‘definitely superior’

‘‘Being part of The Omega Lamb Project really gives you the best of both worlds,’’ North Otago farmer Ben Douglas says.

Breeding about genetics, delivering the best possible returns

In 2017, the Gibson family become the only exhibitor to win both the senior and junior meat and...

Breeding about genetics, delivering the best possible returns

Will Gibson says when it comes to the potential yield from a breeding animal, size does not matter, and big is not always best.

From farm life to aviation — and back

Avon Glen farm manager Sven Thelning outside the Enfield dairy farm's milking shed. PHOTO: DANIEL...

From farm life to aviation — and back

Sven Thelning is just as comfortable on the farm as he is high in the clouds.

Selling makes no sense when you are living the dream

Chris Dagg looks over lambs ready to go to the works. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY

Selling makes no sense when you are living the dream

The drive between Arrowtown and Queenstown contains arguably some of the most sought-after high-country land in the South Island.

Pande’s role about making difference in employees lives

Alliance Lorne- ville plant manager Shashank Pande is enjoying the Southland lifestyle. Photo:...

Pande’s role about making difference in employees lives

Alliance Lorneville plant manager Shashank Pande says the most important aspect of his job is the people —the workers, shareholders, farmers and those involved in the industry.

Function shows farming far from a solitary occupation

James and Samuel Reid farm Minchmoor Farm near Outram. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery

Function shows farming far from a solitary occupation

How many people does it take to run a farm?

Farm’s rich family history recognised

The Bathgate family of (from left) Simon, Ashlee (3), Caleb (8) and Ian, at their Taieri farm....

Farm’s rich family history recognised

A Taieri farm, owned by the same family for 150 years, has been given a New Zealand Century farm award.

Dunedin geneticist looking to Africa

Dunedin geneticist Dr Bruno Santos, recently promoted to partner at agribusiness company...

Dunedin geneticist looking to Africa

When the world starts to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, big agribusiness opportunities will open up for New Zealand, Dunedin geneticist Dr Bruno Santos believes.

Growing native plants creating legacy

Volunteers Louise Hargreaves and Barbara Ladyman (right) removing weeds from around beech...

Growing native plants creating legacy

The quality of water entering lakes, rivers and streams from farms in the Upper Clutha catchment is improving due to the thousands of natives being planted. One of the nurseries supplying plants is Wanaka’s Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust nursery.

Tech, online tools helping family wool business prosper

Omakau wool buyer Hayden Hickey, of WS Hickey & Son Ltd. PHOTO: ADAM BURNS

Tech, online tools helping family wool business prosper

Omakau wool buyers WS Hickey & Son Ltd have demonstrated a knack of moving with the times.

South Otago group buying in to idea of improving environment

Lovells Flat sheep farmer Bryce Clark shows neighbouring farmers areas of successful on-farm...

South Otago group buying in to idea of improving environment

Southern farmers have come in for a public bashing in certain sections of the media during recent months, as unflattering winter grazing conditions hit the spotlight. Richard Davison takes a look...

Quality control everything for Cairns

Brownyn Cairns has been at Silver Fern Farms Waitane plant since 1992, and has been plant manger...

Quality control everything for Cairns

During 28 years at Silver Fern Farms’ Waitane plant, Bronwyn Cairns has gained a wealth of experience, and witnessed a lot of change.

Muslim family loves farming but values, belief defines them

Reza and Silvia Abdul-Jabbar with their children (from left) Aisha (17), Talha (5), Omar (8),...

Muslim family loves farming but values, belief defines them

Diversity in Southland’s farming community may not be seen as one of the region’s strengths, but one dairy farmer has found a bountiful existence in these lands.

Experts have say on whether cherries justify their popularity

Ross and Sharon Kirk of Hortinvest. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Experts have say on whether cherries justify their popularity

Faced with all manner of economic worries — from Trump to freshwater policies — where might investors put their hard-won savings in the hope of a better than deposit rate return? Might cherries —...

Turning challenges into a strength

All about quality genetics and ensuring stock are looked after. Photo: Brent Melville

Turning challenges into a strength

The dual challenges of landscape and climatic diversity can also be a strength, says Fernvale Genetics farmer Lloyd Brenssell.

High-country stations work on keeping Lake Wanaka pristine

Allannah and Duncan McRae talk through future plans with Chris Arbuckle at their Fish Pond...

High-country stations work on keeping Lake Wanaka pristine

Keeping Lake Wanaka pristine for future generations is on the wish list for many of us, and that includes the majority of high-country farmers whose properties lie within the lake catchment. Kerrie...

Search form

Search form

Updated 5.00 pm