Arable farming flies under the radar despite supplying the seed and feed that pastoral industries rely on, 2026 Arable Farmer of the Year John and Mel McCaw say. They took the title in front of 500 peers at the FAR Awards last week in Christchurch.

John says land-use change in Canterbury is already raising concern over grain and straw supply.

“I think the cupboard is bare,” he says.

They are picking a grain price lift this spring.

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