Are dung beetles your new farm worker? Working round the clock, and paid in dung, dung beetles could be a valuable addition to the toolbox when it comes to improving soil health and water quality on our farms. Words Rebecca Greaves

The rural community are great at stepping up, helping out beyond their farm gate. These five legends are tackling arguably New Zealand’s biggest weed problem – wilding conifers. While some of us throw our hands in the air and call defeat, these farmers, foresters and fighters have taken on the problem and made it their own. As Ket Bradshaw puts it, together we can make a first step on something that is daunting. Words Jo Grigg.

Are farmers doing enough on methane? Methane from Kiwi farms accounts for more than a third of the country’s greenhouse emissions. But exactly how this gas contributes to global warming and to what extent it should reduce is complex. As our methane targets look set to be overhauled, George Driver investigates how the gas heats the planet and how low our emissions should go. Words George Driver.

Water has always been a precious resource for Central Otago farmers Tim and Camilla Rutherford, and they’re keen to ensure they utilise every drop that falls from the sky. Words Rebecca Greaves

As an increasing number of sheep farmers grapple with triple drench resistance, a group of Wairarapa farmers are meeting on a regular basis to learn about managing parasites without relying on drenches. Words Sandra Taylor.

North Otago veterinarian Dave Roberston has developed a five-point plan to help farmers control parasites in sheep farm systems. Words Tony Leggett.

Drench resistance has been a ticking time bomb for a while. Veterinarian Erin Riley first saw the signs of it in the UK before she moved to New Zealand, but was hopeful that the evolution of combination drenches would buy more time. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Anna Munro is a mum, farmer and rural photographer based in Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury.

Ben Dooley, Mimihau, Southland is a fourth-generation farmer, farming in Mimihau, Southland with his wife, Sarah, and two boys.

Max Tweedie, Tutira, Hawke’s Bay and his wife Lucy run Hallmark Angus Stud.

Being clear on your desired outcome is the first step to ensure you end up with a bull-team well suited to your particular needs.

The Harper’s focus on creating an inter-generational business model, with built-in niche products in partnership with suppliers, has diversified their farming business across many value chains. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Emmily Harmer Photography, Headwaters and Stoney Creek.

When surplus capital is built up in the farm the instinct is often to buy the neighbouring block when it comes on the market. Words Angus Marks and Andrew Austin, Wealth Management, Jarden Wealth.

Jemima Snook’s Kellogg Rural Leadership project report posed the question of how to generate value and improve sustainability from non-financial farm reporting. We share an insight into her findings.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is changing up its extension delivery model, focusing on making a difference behind the farm gate and farmer learning, with a new small group offering set to roll out in 2025. General manager extension, Justine Kidd, explains what this will mean for farmers. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Body condition scoring is a powerful tool to help sheep farmers increase ewe productivity and profitability through determining the most effective and efficient use of feed resources. Words Sandra Taylor.

Facial eczema remains a major challenge for New Zealand’s livestock farmers, severely affecting animal health and productivity to the tune of $332 million annually. Words Sandra Taylor.

Passionate strong wool growers need patience to stand the test of time whilst shedding sheep flaunt their more attractive financials. Wool prices still need to move higher again before farmers can bank a profit from their wool clip, but the tables are turning at last - what will you choose? Words Tony Leggett.

There can only be one way for farm gate prices for strong wool - and it’s up! Wool Impact knows it will be what farmers judge their performance on, so how far away is it? Words Tony Leggett Photos Wool Impact.