More ewes needed to meet demand
More ewes needed to meet demand
About 5500 sheep featured at the Omarama Ewe Fair last week and all of them sold, the auctioneer says.
Central Rural Life
President without a show
President without a show
Frank Macfarlane is a president without a show.
Southern going big on native trees
Southern going big on native trees
The same company that owns Lewis Road Creamery is digging deep to plant native trees across its 19 dairy farms, writes Tim Cronshaw.
Xmas figures designed to lift the spirits
Xmas figures designed to lift the spirits
Repurposing old pallets into novelty outdoor Christmas decorations has been a sideline hobby of late for Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust welfare co-ordinator Frances Beeston.
Barlass new director on board of Ruralco
Barlass new director on board of Ruralco
Mid Canterbury farmer and independent director Andrew Barlass has been elected to the Ruralco board of directors at the annual meeting.
Patron’s enthusiasm for A&P recalled
Patron’s enthusiasm for A&P recalled
The Ashburton A&P Association flag flew at half-mast last month after the death of patron Ray Colville.
Dairy farmer’s work in industry impresses judges
Dairy farmer’s work in industry impresses judges
Mid Canterbury dairy farmer Rebecca Miller and Mt Hutt Ski Area have won their respective category awards at the Westpac Champion Business Awards.
High beef prices expected to hold
High beef prices expected to hold
High beef prices show no sign of slowing as cattle numbers come under pressure globally.
Sector under pressure as lack of workers bites
Sector under pressure as lack of workers bites
A shortage of experienced agricultural machinery operators for the summer season is putting pressure on farmers and rural contractors.
Farm foresters ease back on harvesting
Farm foresters ease back on harvesting
Farm foresters aren’t rushing out to cut down trees despite a shortage of housing materials because of a building boom.
Sale of stud rams pleases family
Sale of stud rams pleases family
Two Romneys each made $3000 to top the Letham family’s on-farm two-tooth ram sale in front of a packed-out wool shed.
Wheat and Wheels rally not run until times become more certain
Wheat and Wheels rally not run until times become more certain
The Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club has postponed its Wheat and Wheels rally in early April.
Half of ram sale catalogue sells
Half of ram sale catalogue sells
A trio of big buyers bought nearly half of Norman Carr’s catalogue at his on-farm ram sale in Mayfield.
Tricky scaring off intelligent birds
Tricky scaring off intelligent birds
Pesky birds are getting the full armoury against them to keep them from dining on arable crops.
Plenty needs understanding with biopesticides
Plenty needs understanding with biopesticides
More is being found out about biopesticides as an alternative for chemical sprays to control crop diseases on arable farms.
Native trees attract better pollinators
Native trees attract better pollinators
Arable farmers are being challenged to put in more native trees and shrubs to attract good insects.
Record set as Suffolk ram sells for $16,500
Record set as Suffolk ram sells for $16,500
Eric Ross credits a "bit of luck" for selling a Suffolk ram from the Collie Hills stud at Hakataramea for $16,500 at the Canterbury A&P Association Elite Ram and Ewe Sale.
On-farm, online sale draws thousands of bids
On-farm, online sale draws thousands of bids
More than 2000 bids were made online and on-site for 324 rams at Meadowslea’s on-farm sale in Fairlie.
New business hits spot at right time
New business hits spot at right time
Lucy Gilbert has a bounce in her step and a shine in her eyes.
Truckies seeking to formalise group
Truckies seeking to formalise group
A group of mates in big rigs — many of them vintage beauties — took to the highway recently for a social classic truck run road trip.