Rural Life

First dairy farm a win for family

The Henderson family, Steve and Tracy and their children (from left) Ruby, Gus and Annie, have bought their first dairy farm.

Dairy

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell. Photo: Fonterra

Fonterra confident it can extend payout streak

Fonterra is "confident" it can get another double-digit payout over the line after handing farmers a record $10.16 for each kilogram of milksolids produced in 2024/25.

Letter to the editor: not our experience

Letter to the editor: not our experience

I read Shawn McAvinue’s article about calf rearing in Southern Rural Life on September 17.
Identical bull triplets a surprise

Identical bull triplets a surprise

There is a lot of bull being seen on a dairy farm just south of Gore.
Rural spending expected to increase

Rural spending expected to increase

A tight grip on wallets is about to loosen as dairy farmers usher in another double-digit payout from Fonterra.

Red Meat

Benatrade Angus co-owner Dave Marshall and some of his yearling bulls set for sale in Southland...

Mood ahead of Angus sale bullish

Beef bull buyers will need to make higher opening bids at an upcoming bull sale at the southernmost Angus stud in the world due to a booming beef market.

Farmers aim to keep ownership

Farmers aim to keep ownership

A group of Southland-based Alliance Group shareholders say the $250m offer by an Irish meat company for a 65% stake in the co-operative appears to significantly undervalue the business.
Town’s compost used on farm

Town’s compost used on farm

South Canterbury sheep and beef farmers are "thinking outside the box" by applying compost created from garden and food waste collected from kerbside bins.
‘Virtual shepherd’ shows productivity benefits

‘Virtual shepherd’ shows productivity benefits

Waitaki Valley farmer Richard Subtil has put virtual shepherd neckbands on his beef cows to keep them out of waterways and has discovered many more benefits.

Horticulture

West Otago farmers Simon (left) and father Mark Robinson could be left living in shade for much...

SUBSCRIBER

Potential for tree shade, fire risk, pests continues to rankle

A West Otago farmer says farm forestry regulations remain unfit for purpose, as he faces a future blighted by shade, frost, pests and fire risk.

Residency lets orchardist grow roots

Residency lets orchardist grow roots

Well, that is a cherry on top.
Viticulturist targets national title

Viticulturist targets national title

A persistent effort has allowed a Bannockburn viticulturist to take a crack at winning the national Young Horticulturist of the Year award to be held in Auckland in November.
Bumper avocado crop pushes prices down

Bumper avocado crop pushes prices down

It's a great time for avocado lovers, but not so much for growers of the fruit as prices reach as low as 19c in parts of the country.

People

First dairy farm a win for family

The Henderson family, Steve and Tracy and their children (from left) Ruby, Gus and Annie, have bought their first dairy farm.

Life’s journey leads from Zimbabwe to Central Otago

Life’s journey leads from Zimbabwe to Central Otago

From rural Zimbabwe to the rolling hills of Central Otago, Conrad Kamota’s journey has come full circle — from finance professional to aspiring farmer.
Poll Dorset breeder starts young

Poll Dorset breeder starts young

There is a new generation of motivated Poll Dorset breeders coming up the ranks in New Zealand, including Central Hawke’s Bay’s Tim Wilson who sold his first rams at 11.
Relishing move to the South

Relishing move to the South

Sharemilker Renae Martin continues to progress in the dairy industry after moving to South Otago.

Rural Events

Eyeing up a homegrown win for 2029

Ploughmen Mark Dillon, of Northern Southland, and Bob Mehrtens, of Timaru, represented New Zealand at the 70th World Ploughing Championship in the Czech Republic last...

From Waimumu to the world

From Waimumu to the world

Winning the 2024 Southern Rural Life Innovation Awards at Waimumu’s Southern Field Days was just the start for Grant Lightfoot.
Search for A&P queen resumes

Search for A&P queen resumes

The search for the ultimate southern belle resumes this summer, as a long-standing tradition returns to Balclutha’s showgrounds.
Town’s compost used on farm

Town’s compost used on farm

South Canterbury sheep and beef farmers are "thinking outside the box" by applying compost created from garden and food waste collected from kerbside bins.

Rural Events

ODT Regions

From bar to pulpit: New vicar’s varied life
SUBSCRIBER

Citizens honoured for tireless work
A different kind of farm
SUBSCRIBER

'Living museum' found beyond locked gates and fences

Search form

Search form

Rural Events

Connect with Rural Life