CountryWide Summer 2026

Strengths in the softer skills of building long term relationships, coupled with the collection of robust data, are at the heart of an impressive calf rearing operation in Canterbury that’s home to 3500 calves annually. Words Anne Lee, Photo Holly Lee.

Weaning is a critical period for lamb growth rates. They can easily falter if not timed correctly. Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert – Animal Health at PGG Wrightson, offers practical solutions to help avoid a weaning check that doesn’t bounce in your back pocket. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Conventional and regenerative farmers share a common goal: to produce food sustainably and profitably. Daniel Judd’s Kellogg Report explores the drivers behind their respective approaches and hopes to break down the barriers that separate the two groups.​

Upgrading an irrigation system could lead to redesigns that help cut costs in the long run, but there will be costs and trade-offs to consider. Words Anne Lee.

Having a plan for replacing irrigation infrastructure should be built into farming business’ asset replacement plans and come as no surprise. Words Anne Lee

New resources released from IrrigationNZ are to get irrigating farmers thinking about how and why they should measure soil moisture in a bid to restore confidence in the technology available. Words Kathryn Healy.

Farmers and rural professionals aged 30-50 years old are feeling like they are missing from the leadership conversation. Dr Jordi Hoult’s recent Kellogg’s report digs into the necessity for a cultural shift within the primary sector for this vital age group. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Economist Brad Olsen urges that while there may be better farmgate returns at the moment, time costs remain higher, which is keeping profit levels a little bit more crimped. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Data from New Zealand Police and FMG highlights an increasing trend of rural thefts, particularly during peak periods such as the summer holidays and farm change-over.
Words Abby France.

Northland farmers at the sharp end of climate change are putting their experience and knowledge to good use, working with DairyNZ and research partners to develop pasture mixes that will underpin hardy and sustainable farming systems for a changing climate. Words Inside Dairy - DairyNZ. Photos Craig Brown.