Country-Wide is New Zealand’s only dedicated pastoral and arable farming magazine. It is a trusted farm management publication, delivering content on red meat, wool and arable farming topics.
Each issue gives independent, credible and often exclusive information to help them run your farm businesses better.
Episode 20 – Treating rubbish as a resource
Waste takes many different forms onfarm and there’s some great initiatives out there with an aim to give these resources another life - sometimes even back on the same farm!
In this episode, we hear from three experts who discuss the exciting ways we can begin to utilise onfarm waste as a resource.
Down the drain – wool wins
Research has confirmed wool’s biodegradability, Joanna Grigg writes.
Chilean needle grass poses potential billion-dollar threat
The “sleeper weed” Chilean needle grass, if nothing was done to stop it, could spread through most of New Zealand and eventually cost the country over a billion dollars, according to newly published research.
What the farmers say
Integrated Farm Planning can seem a daunting task but there are plenty of resources and programmes available to support farmers to take the first step. Rebecca Greaves spoke to three farmers who have created their own farm plan through attending a BakerAg programme – something that can be achievable for all farmers, with a little help.
A dynamic approach
Integrated farm planning and farm assurance - everyone’s talking about it. But what does it mean, and how do we get a plan that works for our farming business?
Smart tactics help make every nutrient count
With on-farm cost pressures looking to continue for at least the foreseeable future, it’s expected that the squeeze on all farm inputs, including fertiliser, will endure through 2024. Words by Dr Ants Roberts
A change of system
Veterinarian Sara Sutherland reports on the financial impact of farm management changes in response to drench resistance.
What to do with tail end ewes?
In light of a rapid rise in levels of drench resistance, Ginny Dodunski of Wormwise investigates alternatives to help light breeding ewes.
A mismatch on the hills
For decades hill country sheep farmers have just accepted that dagging, treating for flystrike and drenching for worms is a part of successful farming, vet Trevor Cook writes.
Reinventing the fleece
A fine-wool sheep breeding programme is following in the tracks of established, successful research. Sarah Horrocks reports.
Breeding wool off the sheep’s back
Moving to a self-shedding sheep flock could significantly cut onfarm costs and labour, as the strong wool price remains stubbornly low, but there are always things to consider when changing your farm system. Massey University is three years into a trial to transition a base Romney flock to a fully shedding flock of Wiltshires. Rebecca Greaves attended the latest field day.
Minister’s trade priorities
The strength of our agricultural sector is a testament to farmers hard work and innovation; Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay is all too aware of his role to support and enhance collective efforts, particularly in expanding beef exports through strategic trade initiatives.
Reaping the rewards
Irrespective of market fluctuations, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Trade Policy team continues to represent the interests of this country’s sheep and beef farmers in global trade discussions. Senior Trade Policy Advisor, Nick Jolly, says B+LNZ’s strategy is to maintain, protect and improve access into current markets and to unlock new market potential. Words by Nick Jolly, Senior Trade Policy Advisor.
Ready to thrive in a changeable world
Adaptability is crucial to maintain our standing as a premium beef exporter. Words by Sirma Karapeeva, Chief Executive, Meat Industry Association
Growing a fine beer
Arrowtown’s Royalburn Station owner Carlos Bagrie has developed a tasty and thirst-quenching way to take control of his barley value chain.
Championing the sector
Amy Hoogenboom updates us on the fate of Future Beef and its youth event.
Seven OIO decisions to convert hill country to forestry in February alone
Pasture to production forestry sales are back on the table for foreign investment in 2024 as the Overseas Investment Office clarifies its policy position on the benefit to NZ test, says Property Brokers General Manager - Rural, Conrad Wilkshire.
Repositioning demand for strong wool
Innovation and entrepreneurship is leading a revival in the fortunes of strong wool. By Tony Leggett
Team approach adds value
Farmers can utilise the skills of their accountants and advisers to boost their financial literacy and get a better understanding of debt, assets and equity, Elaine Fisher writes.
Back to basics
Getting back to his roots and spending time putting cups on is a far cry from walking the halls of power, but newly minted Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay, doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty from time to time. He spoke to Rebecca Greaves about his priorities and what farmers can expect from our new Government.
Forest owners baulk at ETS fee
Owners of forests registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme are challenging the introduction of an ongoing cost recovery fee, Rebecca Greaves reports.
MORE
An Autumn Muster
Anna Munro reflects on her time in the depths of the Canterbury High Country on Lake Heron Station. Words & Images Anna Munro
Waste Not Want Not
From the wine to the waste industry. WM New Zealand Managing Director Evan Maehl has gone from producing the wine to collecting the empty bottle from the kerbside, and he couldn’t be happier. He explains why waste is sexy, and why we should all care about it.
Educational Series ‘Raising The Steaks’ For Beef Sector
If you are looking for the latest industry information on how to improve your beef farming operation then you can’t go past the “Raising the Steaks” channel on YouTube, hosted by Angus New Zealand’s very own Kate Pont.
Monitoring system trial highlights potential of wearable technologies
Over the past six months, cow monitoring systems have been trialled in two South Island beef herds as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef Programme. Words Sandra Taylor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Charolais breed surging in popularity
Buyers recognise the explosive growth and yield potential of Charolais cattle. Words Sam Holland, President of Charolais Breeders New Zealand.
