Public articles

Episode 104 – Winter feed yields down?

In this episode, Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert at PGG Wrightson, explains why farmers should think carefully before applying nitrogen to struggling fodder beet crops after a difficult 2025–26 season. With cold conditions, slow crop growth and persistent wet weather impacting yields across the country, Andrew outlines why adding nitrogen late in the season may not deliver the extra feed farmers are hoping for.

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Investment into emissions-efficient livestock

AgriZeroNZ has invested NZ $1.69 million (AU $1.5 million) in the agri-biotech company Nbryo to support the development of its reproductive technologies in New Zealand.

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Episode 103 – ADAMA: Tower tackles resistant weeds

In this episode, Hamish Mulcock, Portfolio Manager at ADAMA New Zealand, introduces Tower, a new pre-emergent herbicide for wheat and barley designed to strengthen weed control and support resistance management in arable systems. As herbicide resistance continues to challenge growers, Hamish explains how Tower brings a new active ingredient to the New Zealand market, chlortoluron, alongside pendimethalin and diflufenican, delivering three complementary modes of action in one application.

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Episode 102 – Subdivision of rural land – facts and fiction

In this episode, Phil Journeaux shares his strong thoughts on the failings of the New Zealand’s National Policy Statement (NPS) for Highly Productive Land and how the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘economically viable’ metric was flawed.

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Long-term pasture persistence trial

A 10-year Lincoln University long-term pasture persistence trial (PPT), looking at different grass species, predominantly perennial ryegrass, is unique in its duration and ability to evaluate the performance of a range of grass cultivars.Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

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Ryegrasses can last

The next step for summer-strong perennial ryegrass that persists is now here with Maxsyn NEA12. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

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Farming is generational, co-operatives get that

LIC chair Corrigan Sowman shares his thoughts on the generational importance of co-operatives. Words Corrigan Sowman.

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The mutual difference

FMG was created in 1905 when a group of farmers challenged the status quo. At the time, insurance options were limited to overseas-owned companies that didn’t understand New Zealand land, weather or farming risks. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

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Beyond the boom

As arable and pastoral farming face a chemical-light future, a Swiss precision technology has AI sprayers already in use in Canterbury and Pukekohe, slashing chemical use by 80-90% and improving yields. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

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Meat sector destined for private hands

Southland farmer and former New Zealand Meat Board Chairman, Jeff Grant, says the days of farmer co-operatives dominating the meat industry in New Zealand are finished. Words Tony Leggett.

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