Power bill cut after Canterbury piggery adds large solar panel system to reduce reliance on national grid

Southern Pork co-owner Jason Palmer only wishes a new 200kw system of 324 solar panels had been put in years ago for the 500 sow finishing farm near Dunsandel. Photo: Supplied

Tim Cronshaw

Sunday, September 13, 2026

PHOTO

Rural Life OtherOctober 8

National woos farmer vote with $300m low-cost loans for water storage

National is promising to lend farmers up to $300 million to help them store more water, as it targets the rural vote in this year's election.

SUBSCRIBER

Rural Life OtherOctober 7

Practical health advice for men focus of Awamoko event

Sam McBride would like to see men’s health have greater recognition in New Zealand.

Sally Rae

Practical health advice for men focus of Awamoko event

SUBSCRIBER

Rural Life OtherSeptember 30

Southland farmers endure frigid start to season as they count up lamb losses

Widespread losses of lambs perishing in spring storms are a setback for Southland farmers counting on reinvesting high returns into farms.

Tim Cronshaw

Southland farmers endure frigid start to season as they count up lamb losses

Rural Life OtherSeptember 30

Kaah: call for rooks in Otago to be reported

A call is out for rook sightings in Otago following reports of lone males across the district.