After four decades working in irrigation, Stephen McNally is urging whole-of-life thinking for irrigation design. The one lesson that keeps repeating is that systems chosen on capital price alone rarely deliver the best long-term value. Words Stephen Mcnally & Kath Healy.

A recent farmer panel highlighted the importance of balancing the adoption of new technologies while still retaining core farming skills. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

In late winter, emerging from a carrot paddock near Woodlands, the sight of bright lights, faint zapping sounds and puffs of smoke might turn a few heads; but it is just Matthew Malcolm's "killer robot" at work. Words Karen Trebilcock.

Farmgate returns, using the advertised schedule prices for lamb, beef and venison since 2004, shows the increasing price trend line for venison matches lamb and is ahead of the trend line for beef. Words Tony Leggett.

The recent record sale of a dairy farm in mid-Canterbury has Tom Laming reflecting on how we can take a different approach to dairy farming’s future. Words Tom Laming.

The subdivision of rural land into small/lifestyle blocks, and especially for urban use, has always been contentious. The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Soils, is the latest attempt to control the issue. Phil Journeaux, a Consulting Agricultural Economist based in Waikato, points out that it is a castle built on sand. Words Phil Journeaux

The benefits of grain feeding in pastoral dairy systems are often overlooked. Mid Canterbury-based livestock feed manufacturing mill, Advanced Feed, has been one of the first to get behind a New Zealand-grown grains initiative. Words Heather Chalmers.

Chemical resistance in pesticides was a hot topic at the Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science (NZIAHS) symposium, recently held at Lincoln University, where scientists discussed the topic of nature fighting back. Words Tom Ward.

A special horse trek each year teaches young people more than just how to ride a horse. Members of the Stephenson family gather and ride across the whenua that binds them. Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos Vicky Simpson.

Body condition has a significant influence on the reproductive performance of breeding cows. The most value can be generated by reducing the number of low conditioned cows in the herd.
Words Sandra Taylor.