Rural Life

Concerns over dependence on imported fertiliser

Concerns over dependence on imported fertiliser

While all eyes are on the prices at the fuel pumps around New Zealand, an Otago economist has exposed a dangerous blind spot — our dependence on imported fertiliser for farming.

$3b fertiliser plant proposed for South

New Zealand imports about 500,000 tonnes of urea each year. PHOTO: REUTERS

$3b fertiliser plant proposed for South

An Australian company has announced plans for a $3 billion fertiliser plant in Southland, converting lignite to urea.

Storm helped drive big claims rise

Winds gusting up to 180kmh lifted the roof of this house at Clarendon, between Waihola and Milton...

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’

Leelands Gourmet Meats owners Marc and Jess Hamilton are excited about the potential of their...

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

Keith Gutsell is questioning why New Zealand’s export red meat inspection needs to be changed....

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

A varroa mite latches on to a honey bee pupae. PHOTO: PLANT AND FOOD RESEARCH

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

A striking red dress and coat combination from The Fashion Booth, in Roxburgh, captivated the...

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

Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Manager of the Year Lauren McConnachie. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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

The Black and Coloured Sheep Breeders Association members engage in a workshop at a farm in Gore,...

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

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

Braden and Brigitte Barnes have bought their first farm, in part thanks to winning last year’s...

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

Former SAS corporal Willie Apiata. Photo: supplied

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

Former president of Adidas North America Zion Armstrong turned his life around after a few...

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

In a panel about pathways to wealth creation were (from left) Frances and Aaron Coles, brothers...

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

FarmRight’s NZSF rural portfolio general manager Ed Tapp, second left, and his team. FarmRight is...

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’

Bovaer is the first widely commercially available product being used by farmers to slash the...

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

Zentera Wool Company commercial general manager Keith Ovens. PHOTO: ZENTERA

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

Ashmount farm is in the final stages of a 1700-cow dairy conversion to be up and running in Mid...

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.

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