Country-Wide Autumn 2024

Crop spraying is becoming a major target market for drone manufacturers. Chris McCullough reports.

Veterinarian Sara Sutherland reports on the financial impact of farm management changes in response to drench resistance.

In light of a rapid rise in levels of drench resistance, Ginny Dodunski of Wormwise investigates alternatives to help light breeding ewes.

For decades hill country sheep farmers have just accepted that dagging, treating for flystrike and drenching for worms is a part of successful farming, vet Trevor Cook writes.

A fine-wool sheep breeding programme is following in the tracks of established, successful research. Sarah Horrocks reports.

Moving to a self-shedding sheep flock could significantly cut onfarm costs and labour, as the strong wool price remains stubbornly low, but there are always things to consider when changing your farm system. Massey University is three years into a trial to transition a base Romney flock to a fully shedding flock of Wiltshires. Rebecca Greaves attended the latest field day.

Innovation and entrepreneurship is leading a revival in the fortunes of strong wool. By Tony Leggett

Farmers can utilise the skills of their accountants and advisers to boost their financial literacy and get a better understanding of debt, assets and equity, Elaine Fisher writes.

Getting back to his roots and spending time putting cups on is a far cry from walking the halls of power, but newly minted Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay, doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty from time to time. He spoke to Rebecca Greaves about his priorities and what farmers can expect from our new Government.