Environment
Guarding gullies and waterways
A critical source area is a gully, swale or a depression that accumulates runoff and delivers it to waterways.
Bugger the mud
Rain, wind and even cyclones have made the winter hard going for farmers and stock, writes Wairarapa vet Sara Sutherland.
A case to reject emissions pricing
In the long-running case of sheep and beef farmers versus the climate minister James Shaw, the verdict should be a resounding “not guilty” for the farmers. By Steven Cranston.
Freshwater farm plans
FEPs, LEPs and especially FFPs. James Hoban lays out the history, requirements and costs farmers face with implementation.
Plant natives and exotics
Hawke’s Bay farmer Peter Arthur puts up an argument for mixed planting. It might mean more work, but the results would be worth it, aesthetically and financially.
Soil organic matter is not free
The importance of soil organic matter has been known for centuries, but soil scientist Dr Doug Edmeades says we could still be managing it better.
Lakes at stake despite efforts
Despite plenty of research and effort, water quality in Ashburton Lakes is slow to improve and solutions are hard to find. By Joanna Grigg.
The case for genetic modification
New Zealanders were scared off GM back in the early 2000s, but the science has moved on since then and the calls to rethink our stand on gene-editing technology are getting louder. By Joanna Grigg.
Award winners at Waytemore
Rick and Shirley-Ann Mannering run an integrated sheep and beef farm and two dairy operations just south of Auckland and they’re making big strides to remove pests from their bush bordering the Hunua Ranges. By Glenys Christian.
Rules and regulations summarised
Anyone new to New Zealand or observing us from afar could be forgiven for wondering what is happening with farming regulations here. Many farmers are struggling to keep up with the growing number of regulations, requirements, policies and promises. James Hoban summarises the most prominent changes and where they have got to on the policy conveyor belt.