Screen removes didymo
Screen removes didymo
A new system developed for removing didymo from irrigation intakes should remove the need for constant surveillance and manual cleaning, its Timaru developers say.
Neal Wallace
Innovation in wool - exporter
Innovation in wool - exporter
Christchurch wool exporter says his business is proof the industry is being proactive and adding value to farmer returns.
Hopes river will hold back mite
Hopes river will hold back mite
A new varroa mite control area is expected to be created at the Waitaki River in a bid to buy time until the autumn release of a new biological control.
Merger a boost for entire industry
Merger a boost for entire industry
The meat industry would be stronger as a result of the $220 million partnership deal between Silver Fern Farms and rural servicing company PGG Wrightson, according to Meat Industry Association chairman Bill Falconer.
Change in emissions law likely
Change in emissions law likely
Critics and advocates of the emissions trading scheme (ETS) expect a large number of amendments will be needed to shape the final policy.
Dollar's volatility picked to continue
Dollar's volatility picked to continue
Economists are not expecting any let-up in the current volatility of interest or currency markets, which has seen the New Zealand dollar slump to its lowest point against the United States dollar since October 2006.
ETS will hit consumers and exports
ETS will hit consumers and exports
It seems consumers will bear the cost of the emissions trading scheme while farmers and horticulturists fear their businesses and New Zealand's key export industries could pay the ultimate cost and be forced out of business.
209% lift in land prices in 6 years
209% lift in land prices in 6 years
The price of farm land has increased 209% in the past six years, according to a leading bank.
Top prices for wool
Top prices for wool
This week's sale of New Zealand merino wool in Australia was described as the strongest yet in five years of sales in Melbourne.
ETS to eat profits: economist
ETS to eat profits: economist
Claims the emissions trading scheme (ETS) will rip the heart out of agriculture are supported by figures supplied by a Meat and Wool New Zealand economist.
High hopes for Otago phosphate revival
High hopes for Otago phosphate revival
The country's largest fertiliser company is investigating re-opening New Zealand's only phosphate resource, in South Otago, which the company says would save farmers nearly $1 billion a year in imported phosphate rock.
Silver Fern Farms vote for merger
Silver Fern Farms vote for merger
Silver Fern Farms shareholders have voted in favour of the meat co-operative forming a partnership with rural servicing company PGG Wrightson.
Dairy prices fall 38% in 14 months
Dairy prices fall 38% in 14 months
International dairy prices have fallen by up to 38% in the past 14 months but Fonterra says it was expecting the correction.
Meat industry merger step closer
Meat industry merger step closer
The first step in what some consider long overdue restructuring of the ailing meat industry was taken yesterday, with shareholders in Dunedin-based Silver Fern Farms voting in favour of a partnership with PGG Wrightson.
Mortgage site links borrowers to lenders
Mortgage site links borrowers to lenders
Two Otago investors are helping bankroll a new Internet site they say will challenge mortgage brokers.
Pair head overseas to finance merger
Pair head overseas to finance merger
Craig Norgate and Tim Miles were both headed overseas last night to secure $100 million from equity markets to fund PGG Wrightson's 50% purchase of meat company Silver Fern Farms.
Critical meat industry vote expected to be close
Critical meat industry vote expected to be close
A crucial vote today that could change the face of the meat industry is predicted to be close.
Compliance costs main gripe
Compliance costs main gripe
Soaring compliance costs have pushed skilled labour shortages off the top spot in a list of key gripes for Otago and Southland businesses.
Fate of meat industry in shareholder hands
Fate of meat industry in shareholder hands
Something new or more of the same? That is the question facing rebate shareholders in Silver Fern Farms who on Monday will decide if the Dunedin meat co-operative will form a partnership with listed rural servicing company PGG Wrightson. Agribusiness Editor Neal Wallace reports that there is much at stake.
Meat action group faces big obstacle
Meat action group faces big obstacle
A meat industry action group acknowledges it faces a major obstacle today getting the Alliance Group to accept remits forcing company executives to start co-operating with Silver Fern Farms.