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Better drenching decisions with rapid worm species test
A newly launched lab test is heralding a new era in worm species identification, with fast results allowing farmers to make timely, informed decisions about their internal parasite management strategies. Words Sandra Taylor.
Possum free farming on Banks Peninsula
When Jack and Charlotte Gibbs moved to their 235-hectare farm on the cliff-hugging Akaroa side of Banks Peninsula in 2013, possums were everywhere. They have gone from catching 2,000 possums to none. Words Allison Hess & Anna Bracewell-Worrall
Checking in: on yourself and each other
Coach, speaker and facilitator, Deanne Parkes, writes a kind reminder to not only use winter as a chance to check in on others in your community, but to have an honest check in with yourself, just as you would do routine maintenance on other parts of your farm. Words Deanne Parkes.
Hunting for the pets
A love of the bush, conservation and hunting has led Warkworth man, Wilson Hobbs, to start a wild meat pet food business, also feeding the big cats at North Island zoos. Words Delwyn Dickey, Photos Jason Hosking.
Winter grazing programme three years in the making
Stu and Ginny Neal do not take their responsibilities around winter forage crop management lightly. The South Canterbury couple start planning their winter forage crop rotation three years in advance, with assiduous attention paid to animal welfare and environmental protection. Words Sandra Taylor.
A future with softer crop protection
Jess Ross worries that without adequate access to the latest biologicals and biopesticide options, New Zealand fruit and arable growers are going to be left scrambling. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Rural champ
Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer, Roger Barton, has recently been appointed one of three Safer Farms’ Regional Champions. As part of this he will be sharing the Farm Without Harm message directly into rural communities.
Homegrown energy is resilience
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.
A Century on the Land
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
Winter 2026
Read CountryWide Summer 2026 online here. CountryWide is New Zealand’s only dedicated farmers and growers magazine, available on subscription.