New oat cultivars developed
Three new oat cultivars have been developed by the Oat Industry Group, says East Chatton oat farmer and group chairman Graeme Gardyne.
Rural Life Other
Call for improved cellphone coverage
Call for improved cellphone coverage
After being missed in the recent roll-out of the Mobile Black Spot Fund programme, residents in Waitahuna are calling for improvements.
Products to go global
Products to go global
Beverages, nutraceuticals, and other products made from oats grown in Southland will be available to the Asian Pacific and United States markets in late 2019 or early 2020, says Venture Southland...
Skilled labour shortage a concern: chairman
Skilled labour shortage a concern: chairman
Attracting skilled workers to the dairy industry and environmental issues are two key concerns of Hadleigh Germann , of Aparima, Federated Farmers Southland's new dairy group chairman.
Young farmer competition to get major overhaul for 2019
Young farmer competition to get major overhaul for 2019
New Zealand's longest-running agricultural contest, the FMG Young Farmer of the Year, is set to undergo a major overhaul.
Agribusiness added to curriculum
Agribusiness added to curriculum
A Dunedin school is embracing agribusiness by learning about what happens from paddock to plate.
New trophy, new event at Merino Shears
New trophy, new event at Merino Shears
There will be a new trophy and a new event at this year's New Zealand Merino Shearing championships, to be held in Alexandra later this month, organising committee member Graeme Bell says.
New animal welfare regulations welcomed
New animal welfare regulations welcomed
Southern Rural Life reporter Yvonne O’Hara asked DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Deer Industry New Zealand for their thoughts about the new animal welfare regulations, which will be in place...
'Better tool' to address offending
'Better tool' to address offending
New animal welfare regulations are to be introduced on October 1.
Forestry methods evolving
Forestry methods evolving
Although many people think a forestry site would be filled with blokes with chainsaws swung over their backs, that’s no longer the case. Reporter Ella Stokes caught up with Tony Gamble, from...
Farmers urged to review safety processes after child dies
Farmers urged to review safety processes after child dies
Kiwi farmers are being urged to check safety measures around farmhouses and effluent ponds after the tragic death of a 4-year-old boy on Saturday on the West Coast.
Cows electrocuted by falling power lines
Cows electrocuted by falling power lines
Eleven dairy cows were electrocuted when lines on an ageing power pole broke and fell onto live 400 volt lines sparking concerns unmaintained lines across Northland could kill again.
Corporate farms get blame for pollution
Corporate farms get blame for pollution
A lack of concern for the environment from ''corporate farm owners'' in Southland and Otago is of ''huge concern'' to anglers and farmers alike, the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers says.
Farmers misusing trail: Doc
Farmers misusing trail: Doc
Farmers ‘‘misusing’’ the Otago Central Rail Trail have been slammed by the Department of Conservation and Otago Central Rail Trail Charitable Trust.
Shot sheep mum too committed a parent to die
Shot sheep mum too committed a parent to die
A sheep shot through the head near Dunedin has made a stunning recovery and continues to raise her three lambs.
Farmers wary after shootings
Farmers wary after shootings
The latest livestock killings on the Taieri have local farmers "scared stiff", as those responsible for mass stock shootings earlier this year remain at large.
Pets take a shine to Southland farm's 'Lambulance'
Pets take a shine to Southland farm's 'Lambulance'
A Southland farm's "Kiwi as" animal transporter has warmed the hearts of New Zealanders after an image of the "Lambulance" was posted online.
Cutting injuries in shearing
Cutting injuries in shearing
A new online programme for farmers and shearers aimed at reducing injuries in the woolshed will improve productivity and safety for everyone who works in the sheds, Southland farmer Bronwyn...
Salmon hatchery technician wanted
Salmon hatchery technician wanted
Aquaculture and salmon husbandry, sounds exciting but what about working outdoors where you may have to work alongside dolphins, sharks or even kiwis?
Employer workshops
Employer workshops
Venture Southland is working with Immigration New Zealand to run two workshops for southern farmers and other migrant worker employers next week.