Rural Life

Farmer set to reject proposal: ‘just a terrible deal’

Central Southland sheep and beef farmer Andrew Cowie will reject a proposal to sell a majority share of Alliance Group, unless a deal can put every shareholder in the co-operative on an even playing field.

Dairy

The Mataura Valley Milk plant at McNab. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Open Country to buy Mataura Valley

Talley's Group-owned Open Country — New Zealand’s second-largest milk processor — has entered into a conditional agreement with the shareholders of Mataura Valley Milk to buy the business.

Scramble for 'quick, dirty' figures ahead of dairy talks

Scramble for 'quick, dirty' figures ahead of dairy talks

Emails obtained by RNZ show a last-minute scramble for hard data as pressure mounted on the government to respond to soaring butter prices.
Open Country to buy Mataura Valley Milk

Open Country to buy Mataura Valley Milk

Talley's Group-owned Open Country — New Zealand’s second-largest milk processor — has entered into a conditional agreement with the shareholders of Mataura Valley Milk to buy the business.
'No significant concerns' over animal welfare at uni farm

'No significant concerns' over animal welfare at uni farm

The Ministry for Primary Industries has visited Lincoln University's demonstration dairy farm following a complaint about animal welfare there.

Red Meat

South African-born Tjaart Grove is Patoa Farms’ breeding herd manager at the nation’s largest pig...

NZ’s largest piggery has community in mind

Nearly 100,000 pigs are raised each year at the nation’s largest piggery in North Canterbury, Tim Cronshaw writes.

Meatworker hazards subject of uni study

Meatworker hazards subject of uni study

A study has been launched to investigate the workplace hazards meatworkers face in the South.
NZ’s largest piggery has community in mind

NZ’s largest piggery has community in mind

Nearly 100,000 pigs are raised each year at the nation's largest piggery in North Canterbury, writes Tim Cronshaw.
Optimism follows stock survey results

Optimism follows stock survey results

Big drops in sheep numbers have been halted, to the relief of sheep and beef farmers already more upbeat after stronger prices.

Horticulture

Ardgour Valley Orchards’ Sharon Kirk walks between apricot rows in January this year. The orchard...

Orchard mum on liquidation decision

Liquidators have been appointed for Ardgour Valley Orchards, near Tarras, but information is scant on what exactly is happening.

Plant breeders looking to Australia

Plant breeders looking to Australia

Plant breeders are looking to Australia for a way to adopt new gene technology while still trading on New Zealand’s GMO-free status.
Pet food production in full flight

Pet food production in full flight

Animals eat more in winter, boosting sales for a North Otago pet food producer adding value to southern crops.
Former minister hits out at carbon farming of pines

Former minister hits out at carbon farming of pines

A tree industry expert and former minister of forestry has condemned "lock and leave" carbon farming, but says you still can not tell farmers what to do with their land.

People

Nicki and Craig McMillan recently touched down in Samoa on a rat eradication project. PHOTO:...

Aviation contributions recognised

Nicki and Craig McMillan, owner-operators of HeliVentures in North Otago, have been nominated as Rural Champions for their outstanding contribution to the aviation industry and the wider rural sector.

Hard work pays dividends

Hard work pays dividends

South Otago sheep and beef traders Chris and Lisa Watt are about to realise a long-held dream of farm ownership.
Charity riding event to be fun for everyone

Charity riding event to be fun for everyone

A hairdressing voucher received as a gift last Christmas could well have inadvertently saved Susan Falconer’s life.
From living in car to job driving truck

From living in car to job driving truck

A man who struggled to keep a roof over his head in the North Island, and for a few weeks lived in Dolamore Park, has turned a corner with a new job with Alliance Group.

Rural Events

Custom Fencing crew leader Galen Monks, of Dunedin, won the emerging talent award at the Fencing...

Fencer ‘surprised’ by win at awards

Dunedin fencer Galen Monks continues to nail it after teaching himself the trade as a boy.

Brunch offers a relaxing break

Brunch offers a relaxing break

Southland Rural Support Trust held a casual "Brunch on us" in the middle of rural Southland last Wednesday, inviting local farmers, growers and community members.
Farmers urged to ‘pledge a beast’ for sport

Farmers urged to ‘pledge a beast’ for sport

A call is being made for farmers to "pledge a beast" to support a university rugby club in Dunedin.
Farmers encouraged to ‘give back’ by training the next generation

Farmers encouraged to ‘give back’ by training the next generation

A record-breaking number of students have applied to be part of the Growing Future Farmers programme next year but a lack of farm trainers is biting, especially in Otago and Canterbury.

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