Farmers set to hit the slopes
A skifield in the foothills of the Southern Alps near the Otago border is joining an initiative to give farmers a break on the slopes next month.
Rural Events
Mystery Car Trial fundraiser a hit
Mystery Car Trial fundraiser a hit
A scavenger hunt in Gore was a smash hit recently, raising more than $1500 for a support group, with organisers thrilled about the success.
Tb risk in Upper Waitaki focus of meeting
Tb risk in Upper Waitaki focus of meeting
A public meeting is being held in Omarama to discuss bovine tuberculosis risk following concerns about Ospri’s response to Tb in the nearby Lindis Pass.
Another crack at title definitely on
Another crack at title definitely on
Reporter Shawn McAvinue talks to 2025 Otago-Southland Young Farmer of the Year Cam Smith about his first time competing in the national final week in Invercargill ...
Brief return south brings rewards
Brief return south brings rewards
Former Southland dairy farmer Owen Copinga recently returned to the province and left with a top position at Holstein Friesian New Zealand.
Southern farmers among award winners
Southern farmers among award winners
Southern dairy farmers featured among the winners at the 2025 Holstein Friesian New Zealand Awards.
Conservation work acknowledged
Award acknowledges conservation work
The work of Dunedin ecologist, botanist, science educator and farmer Kelvin Lloyd has been recognised.
Southern farmers recognised
Southern farmers recognised
Southern farmers were among those recognised at the Federated Farmers annual meeting last month.
Young Farmer of the Year
Young Farmer of the Year
Photos by Toni McDonald
A&P shows get funding boost from government
A&P shows get funding boost from government
A boost from central government will give volunteer-led A&P shows the gift they need to keep on going, Southern organisers say.
Century Farms ready for new applications
Century Farms ready for new applications
The Century Farm and Station Awards committee is ready to receive applications for next year’s ceremony.
Waikato farmer wins title at national finals
Waikato farmer wins title at national finals
Try and try again proved to be a winning formula for a 26-year-old Waikato-Bay of Plenty sheep and beef farmer who won the 57th Young Farmer of the Year title on Saturday evening in Invercargill.
Waldron humbled by award
Waldron humbled by award
Central Otago sheep farmer John Waldron was "surprised and humbled" to win the ultra-fine category at the 2025 Otago Merino Association fleece competition.
Apprentice butcher books place in NZ final
Apprentice butcher books place in NZ final
Riley Hall has gone from being brought up in a vegetarian household to being Otago’s top apprentice butcher.
Foundation sets women up for life in agriculture
Foundation sets women up for life in agriculture
"We have 12 months to prepare them as best we can for the rest of their lives."
Bonds formed during internship
Bonds formed during internship
Although she does not graduate until December, Fairlight Foundation intern Nerida Bateup is already sad about leaving her fellow interns.
Paving way into rural mental health
Paving way into rural mental health
Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in the King Country, Emma Foss never properly considered farming as a viable profession for a woman.
Training pays off for fencing pair
Training pays off for fencing pair
Long nights of training under car headlights have paid off for Geraldine High School’s Tom Batty and Cullen Bolt after they beat the big names at the Fieldays Silver Staples pairs fencing competition.
NZ keen to regain Wayleggo Cup
NZ keen to regain Wayleggo Cup
Winchmore farmer Mark Copland expects the New Zealand and Australian rivalry will be as strong as ever when the first whistle is blown in the transtasman sheep dog trials at Ashburton.
Setting women up for life in agriculture
Setting women up for life in agriculture
"We have 12 months to prepare them as best we can for the rest of their lives."