Ex-MP now at helm of farmer group
Ex-MP now at helm of farmer group
Lawrence sheep and beef farmer Mark Patterson is the new Federated Farmers Otago president.
Shawn McAvinue
Postgraduate research on red meat
Postgraduate research on red meat
Southern students considering careers in the red meat processing and exporting sector were among the Meat Industry Association scholarship recipients for 2021. In a series, reporter Shawn McAvinue...
Proud of progress in dairy industry
Proud of progress in dairy industry
Southlander Sophie White has never looked back after making a snap decision to leave school to enter the dairy industry, and she has a tattoo to show it.
100 years on the land
100 years on the land
The Frame family recently celebrated 100 years of farming Burnbank in Teviot Valley. Shawn McAvinue talks to Bill and Gwenda Frame about how four generations have transformed the land.
Drought declaration extended to Otago
Drought declaration extended to Otago
A drought classification in Otago has not sparked a flood of calls to a support hotline, the Otago Rural Support Trust says.
Woolhandlers head back to class
Woolhandlers head back to class
A new wool clip grading course has been launched to give confidence to buyers and recognise the "important" work carried out by experienced woolhandlers.
Fencers share knowledge, skills
Fencers share knowledge, skills
No-one was sitting on the fence — everyone agreed the sharing of techniques, product knowledge and safety tips benefits the fencing industry.
Using Mandarin to meat a need
Using Mandarin to meat a need
Southern students considering careers in the red meat processing and exporting sector were among the Meat Industry Association scholarship recipients for 2021. In a series, reporter Shawn McAvinue...
Managing recovery from head injury a team effort
Managing recovery from head injury a team effort
Central Southland dairy farmer Gary Sunshine-Tervit was feeling suicidal when his wife gave him an ultimatum.
Looking after the land a ‘passion’
Looking after the land a ‘passion’
Looking after the land is a "passion" for Central Otago farmers Ben and Anna Gillespie.
Complaints show ‘thriving’ demand
Complaints show ‘thriving’ demand
Southern students considering careers in the red meat processing and exporting sector were among the Meat Industry Association scholarship recipients for 2021. In a series, reporter Shawn McAvinue asks them about their study and their plans.
New chapter continues with sale of vehicles
New chapter continues with sale of vehicles
After celebrating his 70th birthday, John Tremaine kept a vow to sell his farm and is holding a clearing sale of vintage cars, tractors and farm machinery in Eastern Southland on Friday.
Kauana Sheep Dog Trial Club Centennial
Kauana Sheep Dog Trial Club Centennial
Triallists and their dogs descended upon the Kauana Sheep Dog Trial Club’s centennial in Otapiri Gorge in central Southland on Friday and Saturday. Shawn McAvinue was there and asked some...
Pair off to Russia
Pair off to Russia
South Island ploughmen Ian Woolley and Bob Mehrtens are set to represent the nation in Russia after winning their classes at the 66th New Zealand Ploughing Championships in Eastern Southland on the...
Heriot saleyards closure sad but inevitable
Heriot saleyards closure sad but inevitable
The Heriot saleyards closing after being a community meeting point for more than a century is sad but the writing was on the wall, a West Otago farmer says.
Field day to refresh sheep classing skills
Field day to refresh sheep classing skills
Traditional sheep classing skills to achieve genetic gains across all breeds will be on show at a field day in eastern Southland today.
Weekend set for trial of the century
Weekend set for trial of the century
Every dog has its day. About 100 sheep dog triallists are hoping it will be their day at a centennial event in central Southland from Friday.
Singing praises of shorthorns
Singing praises of shorthorns
Milking shorthorn dairy cows might raise a red flag with bank managers but the breed is making great genetic gains and has more to offer than other breeds, a South Otago farmer says.
Display of traditional classing for sheep
Display of traditional classing for sheep
Traditional sheep classing skills to achieve genetic gains across all breeds will be on show at a field day in eastern Southland on Thursday. Livestock Confirmation owner Guy Martin will class a...
The king of his pumpkin patch
The king of his pumpkin patch
The self-proclaimed "pumpkin king" of Central Otago has finished harvesting more than 80 tonnes after battling aphids, drought, hail and rabbits.