Sally Rae

Richard Thorp is relishing a return to the meat industry.

Life has been a juggling act for Hayden Peter recently.

They are called the Romahapa Butchers - and they mean business.

Ask Jim Hopkins the highlight of his lengthy involvement with the Young Farmer Contest and a stormy night in Hastings immediately springs to mind.

While a significant lift is expected in the number of lambs born this year, it will take "years" to get back to previous levels, New Zealand Meat Workers Union Otago-Southland secretary Gary Davis says.

Robert Brown has made a successful career combining his love of animals and art. He talks to Agribusiness reporter Sally Rae about both his passions.

It has been a stellar year for the Paterson family from Gimmerburn. Allan and Eris Paterson, and their son Simon and his wife Sarah, won the clip of the year title, which was presented during the Otago Merino Association's Merino Excellence Awards in Queenstown on Friday night.

When Shane and Leona Trimble bought a Hampden sheep and beef farm five years ago, they could see the potential for a deer conversion.

Mark Scorgie's ice cream business might have taken a huge blow from the Christchurch earthquake - but he has not let it lick him.

A $3 million upgrade at Ravensdown's Ravensbourne fertiliser works is being undertaken during the plant's annual month-long shutdown.

"Irrigation really is the future" - that is the message from North Otago Irrigation Company chief executive Robyn Wells as the company plans for the second stage of its scheme.

As the gates open at the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek today, a close eye will be kept on farmer attendance.