War in the Middle East has reignited interest in what on farm electrification could really look like. As fuel prices hit record highs, the conversation about energy resilience has gone beyond townies charging vehicles to the real economics of farmers generating a cheaper form of energy that powers profits. Words Anne Lee and Tony Leggett.

As she marks her 100th birthday this month, Audrey Cowie reflects on a life shaped by dairy cows, gold-mining and the resourcefulness of rural Central Otago. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp

Read CountryWide Summer 2026 online here. CountryWide is New Zealand’s only dedicated farmers and growers magazine, available on subscription.

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.