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.

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.

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.

South Canterbury grower Nigel Rathgen has had difficult-to-eliminate grass weeds in some cropping paddocks for a few years. Words Heather Chalmers.

Taking the opportunity to join an Action Group with other like-minded farmers opened Malcolm White’s eyes to new ideas and different perspectives, while giving him the confidence to follow his own path.

If you follow good genetic principles, you make good progress. Words Dr Mark Ferguson.

If you discover drench resistance on your farm, a parasite management plan, specific to your farm, can be an important piece of the puzzle to ensure you have the tools and strategies to help tackle the problem with confidence. Words Sara Sutherland.

As the drench resistance train continues at speed through the New Zealand sheep industry it is leaving many lamb purchasers asking ‘why can’t drench resistance be included on the Animal Status Declaration (ASD)?’ Words Ginny Dodunski.