Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is urging a “fundamental rethink” of New Zealand’s forestry policy and its role in emissions reduction in his latest report Alt F Reset which looks at the feasibility of large-scale native afforestation. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

A major milestone has been achieved after four decades of managing TB at Molesworth Station, marking one of New Zealand’s most determined and complex biosecurity challenges. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Kara Tait.

The newly formed Aotearoa New Zealand Catchment Communities aims to give a collective voice to catchment groups across the country, with a goal of providing security of funding for the future, and sharing the good news stories of farmer stewardship of the land. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Farmers have a long history of helping world-class conservation enterprise Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, and now the call has gone out to crowdfund two side-by-side vehicles needed to support its inspirational kiwi translocation programme.Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos Christine Cornege.

The wool industry continues to reckon with footage released by animal rights group PETA late last year that captured several New Zealand shearing sheds in serious breach of animal welfare standards – workers standing on sheep’s necks, dragging animals across floors, and stitching wounds without pain relief. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp

A major step forward in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock could help reduce the devastating impact this disease has on New Zealand farmers, animals, and rural communities. Words Sandra Taylor.

Bigger isn’t necessarily better with commercial beef breeding, especially in hill-country environments. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s new bull-buying tool, nProve Beef allows for more considered selection. Words Sandra Taylor, Photo Storth Oaks Angus.

A Southland group of farmers aim to be lambing 150% in their hoggets without compromising the ewes’ two-tooth performance or longevity. Words Sandra Taylor

Brent Fisher is a third-generation farmer based outside of Christchurch at Motukarara (1,000-acre hill block rising to 350m) and Greenpark (1,275 acres 2m above sea level). He farms with his wife Anna and children and operates the Silverstream Charolais and Hereford stud.

Sam Hurley is a third-generation farmer at Papanui Estate near Hunterville and co-owner of Honest Wolf with his wife Sophie and children, Harry, Gussie and Rosa.

Andrew Paterson is a third-generation farmer at Matakanui Station near Ōmakau with his wife Tracy where they farm Polwarth merino sheep and Hereford cattle.

Mark Guscott and wife Susannah farm 1434 hectares of sheep, cattle and crops near Martinborough, Wairarapa, with three teenagers keeping them honest.

A reflection on half a century of development of New Zealand’s youngest agriculture industry. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Despite the tariff war, New Zealand’s venison industry is making bold strides into the North American market – and it’s already paying off, exceeding three-year targets in the first nine months. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp

In previous columns, we have touched on diversification and collaborating with trusted professionals. If you choose to diversify off farm through investment in financial assets, the foundation of a strong investment strategy that aligns with your goals begins with asset allocation. Words Angus Marks, Andrew Austin and Harriet Jones, Wealth Management, Jarden Wealth.

What would happen if a key person in your farming business was no longer around, or unable to work? Getting your financial house in order helps avoid unnecessary stress at a difficult time. Here’s what you need to know. Words Carissa Fairbrother, Financial Advisor, RIVAL Wealth.

Crops like Pallaton Raphnobrassica, lucerne, Relish red clover, Ecotain plantain-clovers, Sika chicory-clovers grazed in the summer show promise in a recent study for reducing worm challenge in lambs on farms which can help with drench resistance issues through less drenching, while also lifting lamb growth rates. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Imagine if a crop could be both productive and improve environmental outcomes in a cold and wet climate. Plant & Food Research have been working with several Canterbury catchment groups to ground the science to see if forage oats can reduce the risk of nitrate leaching losses even in the toughest conditions.Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Winter forage crops are a critical part of Robert Young’s Southland farming operation. Sandra Taylor showcases the plans he puts in place to protect animal welfare and soil and water resources while these crops are being grazed. Words Sandra Taylor.

By prioritising soil health, Mid-Canterbury arable farm managers Matt and Heidi Hart are making environmental as well as crop yield gains. Words Heather Chalmers.