Country-Wide Winter 2025

A major step forward in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock could help reduce the devastating impact this disease has on New Zealand farmers, animals, and rural communities. Words Sandra Taylor.

Bigger isn’t necessarily better with commercial beef breeding, especially in hill-country environments. Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s new bull-buying tool, nProve Beef allows for more considered selection. Words Sandra Taylor, Photo Storth Oaks Angus.

A Southland group of farmers aim to be lambing 150% in their hoggets without compromising the ewes’ two-tooth performance or longevity. Words Sandra Taylor

A reflection on half a century of development of New Zealand’s youngest agriculture industry. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Despite the tariff war, New Zealand’s venison industry is making bold strides into the North American market – and it’s already paying off, exceeding three-year targets in the first nine months. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp

In previous columns, we have touched on diversification and collaborating with trusted professionals. If you choose to diversify off farm through investment in financial assets, the foundation of a strong investment strategy that aligns with your goals begins with asset allocation. Words Angus Marks, Andrew Austin and Harriet Jones, Wealth Management, Jarden Wealth.

Will the country rise to the challenge of blending tradition with innovation, or will it be left behind as the rest of the world marches ahead? 2024 Nuffield Scholar Rachel Baker’s report Navigating adoption of gene editing in the New Zealand primary sector explores her thoughts on managing the complexities of gene-editing adoption – both scientifically and socially – over the coming years.

How do we find alternative solutions to farm ownership and succession while encouraging the next generation of farmers? Southland farmer and 2024 Nuffield Scholar Peter Templeton’s report Putting the success back into succession highlights it is not enough for farmers to hope that the next generation will simply take the reins. Words Peter Templeton.

Do you have a daily struggle with black spots (no cellphone coverage) slowing down your progress? Are you spending hours in the office at night and on the weekends you’d rather not? A Canterbury ultrasound scanner showcases how Starlink Mini has transformed his life.

A recent upgrade using AI means Techion’s FECPAK platform can provide farmers with faecal egg count test results within minutes of submitting samples.