$3b fertiliser plant proposed for South
$3b fertiliser plant proposed for South
An Australian company has announced plans for a $3 billion fertiliser plant in Southland, converting lignite to urea.
Rural Events
Storm helped drive big claims rise
Storm helped drive big claims rise
Of the record 46 storms to hit New Zealand over the past 12 months, Otago and Southland’s October 2025 windstorm was the most damaging.
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.
Groundswell files appeal against GDC
Groundswell files appeal against GDC
A dispute over Gore’s district plan will be played out in court, after lobby group Groundswell filed an appeal against the council in the Environment Court.
View body should lead fight against proposed changes
View body should lead fight against proposed changes
A former Public Service Association national president is going to great lengths to express concern around proposed changes to meat inspector roles.
Infestation adds to worries for beekeepers
Infestation adds to worries for beekeepers
Otago beekeepers say the job has become more intense and technical, there being seemingly more questions than answers around the varroa mite.
Woollen wonders mark anniversary
Woollen wonders mark anniversary
Fleece to fashion and everything in between was the theme of the WS Hickey & Son’s 70 years in business celebration recently.
Career change pays off for manager
Career change pays off for manager
If Covid-19 had never arrived, Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Manager of the Year Lauren McConnachie would still be overseas working in the tourism industry.
Black sheep come in from the cold
Black sheep come in from the cold
For once, the black sheep were not on the outer in Gore last weekend.
Covid-19 to thank for winning career shift
Covid-19 to thank for winning career shift
If Covid-19 had never arrived Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Manager of the Year Lauren McConnachie would still be overseas working in the tourism industry.
Farm ownership in Laliches’ sights
Farm ownership in Laliches’ sights
Canterbury couple Marc and Megan Lalich have crossed the halfway point for their dream goal of owning a dairy farm.
First-farm buyers urged to persevere
First-farm buyers urged to persevere
An emotionally draining search has come to an end for Braden and Biddy Barnes who have bought their first dairy farm in Canterbury’s Sheffield.
War hero to speak to arable sector
War hero to speak to arable sector
The nation’s most decorated living war hero is giving arable farmers a morale boost in Canterbury.
Doing the right thing key: chief exec
Doing the right thing key: chief exec
A Kiwi executive who went from being a troubled youth to president of Adidas North America is telling farmers to do the right thing, writes Tim Cronshaw.
Lessons learnt on journey to success
Lessons learnt on journey to success
After coming close to exiting dairy farming and owing $25,000 in GST payments Waimate’s Ben Smith now has skin in the game and oversees more than 5000 cows.
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.
Dairy industry creating opportunity ‘well beyond the farm gate’
Dairy industry creating opportunity ‘well beyond the farm gate’
One in 10 jobs are in the dairy sector in Canterbury’s Selwyn district and they are generating 16.6% of its local economy.
Crossbred fleece sought to fill Zentera contract
Crossbred fleece sought to fill Zentera contract
Zentera Wool Company has lined up about 10 new farmers and more are needed to help fill a contract for certified crossbred wool at a record clean price of $6.50-$7 a kilogram.
Conversion benefits discussed
Conversion benefits discussed
Former West Coaster Peter O’Connor is the new equity manager of a $43 million farm being converted into a large dairy operation in Mid-Canterbury.
Showing interest key to nurturing education
Showing interest key to nurturing education
Your child will do better in their education if there are strong connections between home and school or kura.