As Groundswell notes, when they first objected to the new plan, it was going to place the whole Gore District under the 'Sites and Areas of Significance to Māori' classification.

"All they've done since is change the name to Cultural Values."

The ones who benefit from this change and who are pushing for it rely on everyone being scared of being labelled 'racist' for daring to challenge the workability of such proposals, so kudos to these advocacy groups for trying to hold the line at Gore, before it spreads to other districts.

He can't remember how many Māori are in cabinet and when pushed gets it all terribly wrong, then he ignores two new ministers who were about to get their ministerial warrants from the Governor General.

Sure, it was a stupid 'gtocha' question about the Māori members, but the befuddled live performances from Luxon must be concerning his handlers.

If he can't remember who sits around the cabinet table, what else can't he remember?

In an election year, this is serious.

Would Chris Bishop make such a blunder? This old mutt doubts it.

It will be interesting to see what impact Luxon's ongoing blunders and management waffle speak have as the media pressure - and the 'gotcha' media tricks - intensify in the run-up to the election.

A major new 1.5 million tonne per year urea fertiliser project is set to be developed in Southland, offering an environmentally innovative and strategically significant alternative to imported urea fertiliser.

The proposed $3 billion project, intended to be located about 30 kilometres northeast of Invercargill, will give New Zealand’s agricultural sector self-sufficiency, which is critical to the long-term security and performance of an economy heavily dependent on agriculture.

Developed by Australian-based Victorian Hydrogen, the project will also deliver significant investment and employment opportunities in Southland.

“The Southland lignite-to-urea project represents a transformative opportunity for New Zealand’s fertiliser supply chain,” says Victorian Hydrogen executive director Allan Blood.

“By combining proven global technologies with local innovation, we aim to deliver high-quality urea at competitive prices while supporting long-term sustainable agricultural growth and addressing climate challenges.”

New Zealand currently imports 500,000 tonnes of urea annually. In addition New Zealand manufactures 265,000 tonnes, but falling gas supply means domestic production might end.

Ballance Agri Nutrients, which operates the Kapuni urea plant in Taranaki, is facing gas supply issues.

It has been mulling snowballing the country’s only ammonia-urea manufacturing facility.

The proposed facility aims to:

• Enhance domestic supply and reduce reliance on volatile international markets.
• Stabilise fertiliser costs and mitigate foreign exchange and cost risks for farmers.
• Produce additional products such as AdBlue, a diesel exhaust additive to reduce emissions.
• Support peaking power electricity demand of up to 114 MW at any one time by temporarily reducing production.

The Southland facility will employ a proven lignite gasification process:

• Lignite is reacted with oxygen at high temperatures and low pressures to produce syngas.
• Syngas is reacted with steam to produce hydrogen.
• Hydrogen is combined with atmospheric nitrogen to produce ammonia.
• Ammonia is then reacted with captured carbon dioxide from previous reactions to produce urea.

Blood says the technology is well established globally.

The world’s latest urea plant, using technology identical to that to be used in Southland, was commissioned in Zambia in late 2025.

“The Southland project is about applying this existing technology in a smarter and cleaner way,” Blood says.

“We are committed to mitigating the greenhouse gas impacts before the project proceeds, not after.

“Environmental management will be central to the project’s design, with various opportunities being looked at. These include using CO₂ to make algae-based cattle feed, liquid fuels, construction materials, and in inhibitor technologies to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.”

Blood emphasises the company’s dedication to transparent engagement with stakeholders, including local iwi, Ngāi Tahu rūnanga, councils, farmers and landowners across the 3,141-hectare exploration area that has been applied for.

“Mining operations will be designed to minimise disruption, with progressive rehabilitation and more-than-fair compensation for affected landowners,” he says.

The project is expected to apply for approvals under the fast-track regulatory process. Key milestones include:

Applying for regulatory consents and engaging with landowners.

Completing initial geological and hydrological studies by spring 2026.

Progressing to detailed engineering and process design.

A targeted three-year pathway from the conclusion of the very detailed studies currently underway, to full production.

“The initial economic analysis looks very good indeed and hence the desire to move forward quickly,” Blood says.

“New Zealand is currently exposed to global fertiliser shocks it can’t control. This project is about providing national self-sufficiency for the next 50 years plus - producing what farmers need in New Zealand, with world-class technology and robust environmental safeguards,” Blood says.

To understand whether plant disease-causing fungi are being moved this way, scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute are identifying the species being carried on beetles found in Kiwi forests and orchards.

Darryl Herron, task lead on the project says that while much is known about the beetles, less is known about the fungi travelling with them.

Since 2024, researchers across the Bioeconomy Science Institute, including teams from Lincoln, Rotorua, Ruakura, Auckland, and Motueka, have collaborated to trap bark and ambrosia beetles across the country and analyse the fungi they carry, through projects funded by Better Border Biosecurity and Zespri.

The work has revealed a broad range of fungi associates linked to native and introduced beetle species.

While most of these fungi are common plant associates, the team has detected species with the potential to disrupt plantation forestry, horticulture and native ecosystems if conditions change or new beetle species arrive. 

The work includes assessing potential risks to native bush, urban environments and botanical collections and monitoring beetle activity in and around orchards, where new associations and increased aggressiveness in the beetle-fungal system could pose future threats.

Bark and ambrosia beetles tunnel into trees and interact with fungi in different ways. The latter carry and cultivate specific fungi, while the former pick up a more mixed assortment. Together, they’re associated with a wide range of woody plants across plantation forests, orchards, urban areas and the native estate. Their rapid breeding ability means beetle numbers can rise quickly – so their fungal passengers are never short of taxis.

Herron says it's often these fungi that cause the greatest harm.

"Some fungal species block a tree's ability to move water and nutrients, weaken natural defences or accelerate disease, particularly when trees are already stressed by drought, age or harvesting activity," he says.

"By identifying these fungal 'passengers', we're building a clearer picture of the microscopic communities being moved across New Zealand and which beetles are more important to focus on from a biosecurity perspective. This helps us assess whether these beetles have the potential to facilitate the movement of fungi not currently established in New Zealand."

Overseas, certain beetle–fungus partnerships have caused extensive forest dieback.

Herron says the focus of the research is to understand what risks exist in New Zealand before those impacts occur.

"If we know which beetles can carry damaging fungi and where they’re moving, we can respond faster and reduce the risk to forests and export markets," he says.

The research also contributes valuable information to national surveillance efforts led by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and industry partners, including the Forest Owners Association, alongside other research programmes. Understanding fungal diversity being carried on these tiny beetle taxis could help refine risk modelling tools, guiding where and how surveillance and monitoring is most effective and strengthening post‑border surveillance. 

Together, these investments support New Zealand’s ability to stay ahead of emerging biosecurity risk, helping protect forests, horticulture and ecosystems and the industries and communities that depend on them.

 “Maintaining strong biosecurity pathways is critical for protecting plantation forestry and export markets,” Herron concludes.

The announcement was made at the NZFFA's conference, currently underway in Cambridge with the theme of "Small Forests - Big Future".

The conference includes field trips to visit production forests of paulownia, integrated into a dairy farm, native forests planted for production and high value processing.

Morrison is a retired farmer and active forester and manages the Streamside Planting Programme for Porirua City Council.

He has been a member of the NZFFA for over 40 years and is an active participant in both the Wellington and Wairarapa branches. He has served on the NZFFA National Executive for three years.

Three new members - Philip Alloway, Dave Forsyth, and George Shallcrass - were also elected to the Association's Executive.

Alloway is currently branch chair and treasurer of the Nelson Branch of the NZFFA and treasurer of the Marlborough Branch.

He has owned plantation forestry with his wife Carol for 33 years, with largely a hands-off management approach. They both worked overseas to fund the forest land purchase. He has formerly owned and operated a nationwide industrial scale service business. He and Carol are currently developing a small amenity tree block in Linkwater. 

Forsyth has been a member of the NZFFA for 30 years. He has been a co-opted member of the Executive and is the Current Treasurer. He is the current President of the Waikato Branch and is Convenor of the National Conference being held in the Waikato. 

Shallcrass operates a forest harvesting and sawmill business at Linkwater in Marlborough. He has been a member of NZFFA for over 30 years and is currently Chair of the Marlborough Branch of NZFFA. He is a former Chair of the Top of The South Wood Council and a current member of the executive. He received the Joll Hosking award for "Distinguished Service" to NZFFA in 2025.

That's how Otama Marere Advisory trustee Diane Berghan described the field day at their orchard, staged as part of the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition to determine the top Māori horticulture entity in the 2026 competition.

Otama Marere Trust is one of three finalists in the competition and manages 45 hectares of Māori freehold land at Paengaroa near Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty. Their land was originally leased to the Te Puke Golf Club before the trust took ownership of it in the 1980s and converted it into an orchard.

Today's operations include more than 21ha of kiwifruit, avocados, native plantings, and 6.3ha of protected wetlands. The Trust diversifies through commercial property investment and Māori partnerships.

More than 200 people turned up for the field day and heard presentations by trustees and staff about the operation of the trust, before being taken to two sites to see the orchard and how it is developing.

Among those present was Larissa Wooding-Ngata, one of the finalists in this year's Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower competition, run in conjunction with the main Ahuwhenua Trophy event.

Berghan says she couldn't be happier with the field day and says people were able to see that they are not just about growing kiwifruit but are also about restoring and giving back to the land.

"The day was also about acknowledging the owners of Otama Marere and the support they guve the trustees and the decisions they are making now for future generations," she says.

Another advisory trustee, Petera Tapsell, says he was ecstatic with the day, which was bigger than he though it would be. He was especially pleased with the positive comments from attendees.

"That gave me a lot of heart and I am very proud of where we have gotten to," he told Rural News.

Ahuwhenua Trophy chair Nukuhia Hadfield praised Otama Marere Trust for running an enjoyable field day. She says they have worked hard establishing a diversity of crops and have taken a leading role in growing SunGold G3, being one of the first Māori-owned orchards to grow this crop.

"This gave attendees a picture of what they have achieved by hard work and determination over many years," she says.

The winner of the competition will be announced at a gala dinner in Whangarei in June.

The appointment marks the consultancy's first team member in 26 years to be based in the region.

Headquartered in Rotorua, Perrin Ag has worked alongside Hawke's Bay farmers for decades with recent work including farm purchase due diligence and investment analysis, Māori agribusiness advisory and support, and farm business review and resilience planning.

Perrin Ag says Ferris's appointment formalises the company's on-the-ground presence and signals its intent to expand its support for rural businesses in the region.

A Hawke's Bay local, Ferris is based in Waipawa. 

She grew up on her family’s sheep and beef farm in Wairoa and went dairying after high school.  Her diverse career in the primary sector – including appointments at Halter, First Light Wagyu NZ and Spring Sheep Dairy - has seen her develop a strong background in livestock supply, agribusiness and commercial operations.

Ferris has worked closely with farmers, processors and wider industry stakeholders, building a practical understanding of how on-farm decisions flow through the supply chain and influence commercial outcomes.

Ferris says she is passionate about doing work that adds real value back to farmers.

"Being part of Perrin Ag means I’m backed by an exceptional team, so I get the opportunity to keep learning while bringing my experience together in a consulting role that helps Hawke’s Bay businesses make confident decisions," she says.

“I see a real gap in the region for independent advisory support.  And if I can help fill that gap, that will be hugely rewarding.”

Lee Matheson, managing director of Perrin Ag, says there is increased demand for his team’s practical advice as Hawke’s Bay farming and horticulture businesses navigate major decision points.

“We’re working with rural businesses across the region, from Wairoa through to central and southern Hawke’s Bay.  Our clients are diverse, including sheep and beef, dairy and horticulture systems,” Matheson says.

"While we've been active in the region for many years, Vicky's presence means we will be even better connected to the local rural community," he adds.

“Our work in Hawke’s Bay is often focused on significant moments, such as when businesses are assessing change, managing risk, or making long-term commitments around land and capital.

“We’re deliberately selective about the work we take on, and our focus is on advice that can materially improve long-term outcomes. Vicky’s personal goal of adding value to our clients is perfectly aligned to Perrin Ag’s core objective.  She’s going to be a real asset to our Hawke’s Bay clients.”

You can do everything right, then a late frost, a weather event, or a sudden market shift rewrites the season overnight. Farming has always required resilience, but right now the level of global uncertainty facing New Zealand agriculture feels different in both scale and speed.

Whether it be geopolitical tensions or shifting trade dynamics, the goalposts are moving faster than many of us have experienced before.

We're operating in what leadership experts call a VUCA environment: volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. But while the acronym may be relatively new, the mindset required to navigate it is not. Farmers have been managing VUCA conditions for generations.

Focus On What You Can Control

When seasons are unpredictable, farmers return to fundamentals. They focus on what they can control - soil health, pasture resilience, animal welfare and long-term productivity - rather than chasing every short-term signal.

The same principle applies at an industry level.

At Ballance, our focus remains on helping farmers grow sustainably while building farming systems for the future. Market conditions may shift, regulations evolve, and global events create disruption, but clarity of purpose provides stability when everything else feels uncertain.

Certainty doesn't come from predicting the future perfectly, but from having a clear direction that allows you to adapt without losing momentum.

Planning For Resilience, Not Perfection

Farmers know there's no such thing as a perfect season. The goal therefore is resilience.

When we view pasture management, a resilient pasture isn't necessarily the highest producing in ideal conditions, it's the one that performs consistently through drought, heavy rain, and temperature swings.

Diversity, strong root systems, and careful management help it recover faster when conditions change.

The same thinking applies to farm business planning.

Global uncertainty highlights how interconnected agriculture has become. Fertiliser production relies heavily on energy markets, shipping costs depend on geopolitical stability, global consumer confidence.

Farmers who continue investing in soil fertility and efficiency, as well as using data driven decision-making are often better positioned when markets stabilise again. In other words, resilience must be built before you need it.

Reassurance Matters Through Uncertain Seasons

During challenging periods, one of the most important roles leaders play, whether you're a rural professional or farm owner, is one of reassurance.

Farm teams, families, and rural communities take cues from those around them. Acknowledging uncertainty honestly, while reinforcing shared goals and values, helps prevent reactionary decision making driven by stress rather than strategy.

Farmers already understand this instinctively. When a tough season hits, neighbours check in, share information and support each other. That collective resilience is one of rural New Zealand's greatest strengths. The same principle applies across the sector as a whole. Communication and collaboration help everyone make better decisions when things are unclear.

Focus On What Matters Most

Farming, like any business, is necessarily about prioritisation and responding to changes beyond your control.

Weather forecasts change. Markets fluctuate. Global politics shift.

You can't control the rain, but you can prepare the soil. You can't influence global tensions, but you can strengthen the resilience of your farming system. You can't eliminate uncertainty, but you can build certainty into the decisions you make every day.

In a world where headlines change by the hour, focusing on the fundamentals, healthy soils, efficient nutrient use, strong planning, and connected communities becomes more important than ever.

Keeping Calm and Carrying On

New Zealand farmers have navigated uncertainty before, from economic reforms to droughts and pandemics. Each time, resilience, innovation and long-term thinking have carried the sector forward.

The current global environment is another reminder that while uncertainty may be unavoidable, preparedness is not. Certainty ultimately is about having the confidence that whatever comes, you've built a system strong enough to respond.

And that is something New Zealand farmers have always done exceptionally well.

Kelvin Wickham, chief executive officer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients

Her selection follows current National MP Maureen Pugh’s decision to retire.

Labour MP Damien O’Connor, who previously held the seat, will also not be standing.

Milne is a fifth-generation family farmer from the West Coast and was the first woman to be elected president of Federated Farmers – serving from 2017 to 2020 in that role. Her career in farmer politics began in 1991 and she once told Rural News her initial role was in the Feds dairy section, which she took on to help others understand why farmers do what they do and to correct a lot of misconceptions about the sector.

She also called out some of the rules farmers were subjected to, saying certain individuals had no idea of the consequences of their decisions at a practical level on farm.

In 2015 Milne was named Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and later served on the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, chaired the West Coast TB Free Committee and was a member of the Farmer Mental Wellness Strategy Group and helped found the Lake Brunner Community Catchment Care Group.

Milne and her partner Ian own a dairy farm near Lake Brunner southeast of Greymouth. She says as a lifetime advocate for farming, she applauds the current government for its support for farming, including removing red tape and signing major trade deals.

“As a fifth-generation coaster, I know that our region can be more productive, with more jobs and higher wages, which is why I am standing for National,” she says.

Discounted student tickets will be available for groups of 10 or more at $10 each, a 45% discount off the standard child rate.

The New Zealand National Fieldays Society, which owns and operates the Fieldays event, says the Careers & Education Hub will be the central starting point for school visits, supported by a Careers Trail on the Fieldays App that helps students explore training and employment pathways across the event.

More than 70 sites are part of the Careers Trail, bringing together training providers, support organisations and employers keen to connect with future talent.

Halter's marketing and events specialist, Lily Foote-Caughey, says the company is excited to be part of the Careers & Education Hub.

"At Halter, we believe the future of farming is being built right now, and we want students to know there's a place in it for them," Foote-Caughey says.

Meanwhile, Steve Chappell, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society's programme manager, says that each year, more schools choose Fieldays because it gives their students a practical window into future careers and real-world learning.

"From hands-on pathways into agriculture and related industries, through to science, technology and sustainability-focused roles, students can meet the people behind the work and see what those jobs look like in practice," Chappell says.

NZ Grow Co is designed to boost the cannabis industry's position as a high-value export sector.

It will provide an integrated model linking cultivation, processing, and export capability. It enables growers to participate in regulated international markets through a coordinated system, rather than operating as standalone producers.

Ora Pharm, the company behind NZ Grow Co, already has 30 cultivators.

Chief executive Zoe Reece says they are getting new enquiries every week.

"We have and will be expanding our satellite grower program where we get the licenses for the growers to help streamline the process for them," she told Rural News.

Reece believes that the sector is now moving beyond its early, fragmented phase.

"Regulatory clarity is critical to unlocking investment and participation. What we are seeing now is the opportunity to build a more coordinated, export-focused industry that delivers real economic value."

The new extraction facility in North Waikato is in the process of securing EU good manufacturing practice certification - positioning the business to meet the standards required in regulated export markets.

Reece said the focus must now shift from establishment to execution.

"New Zealand has strong fundamentals: trusted primary production, a reputation for quality, and a stable regulatory environment. The next step is building the infrastructure and systems that allow the sector to scale and compete internationally."

Reece says with the new extraction facility open, they will soon be able to offer "gate prices" to cultivators.

"This will take the uncertainty out of where the product can go. We also work closely with suppliers of the grow inputs to get discounts for the farmers to reduce the cost of growing. This adds up to high margins for the farmers."

Farmers can grow cannabis as a supplementary crop but not have stock among the crops.

"They would be able to grow cannabis in rotation with other crops, like over summer and then veggies over winter."

The new extraction facility, opened by Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour this month, can process up to 400kg of flowers per day.

"We will be looking to process the majority of flower from this summer harvest and any that cultivators have from previous cycles too," says Reece.

Ora Pharm executive chair Stuart Wilcox believes New Zealand's opportunity lies in premium positioning.

"This is not a commodity play. With the right settings, New Zealand can build a high-quality, science-led export sector based on consistency, traceability, and compliance," says Wilcox.

Seymour says the medicinal cannabis sector has similar potential to the kiwifruit, honey and wine sectors.

"If you think about kiwifruit, about manuka honey, a couple of years ago, they were nothing.

"Now they're worth millions and I think the same opportunity exists here."

Harraways’ oats, The Good Oil edible oils and Otis oat milk are among the first to sign up to the New Zealand Grown Grains branding initiative, guaranteeing consumers that the grains and seeds in their food is New Zealand-grown. The new grain mark logo is expected to appear on these products’ packaging in coming months.   

Other food producers are already using the logo which makes it easier for consumers to identify and seek out food and drink products made from domestically-grown grain and seed.    

The arable industry hopes the logo will lift awareness, tapping into a strengthening desire by consumers for locally-sourced food as well as reduce reliance on imported grain.

Many consumers are unaware that three-quarters of the bread sold in New Zealand is made from imported grain, with 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of milling wheat imported each year, mainly from Australia. While dairy and sheep and beef sectors are enjoying record prices, arable farmers are struggling to achieve profitable returns, compounded by a wet, difficult harvest in many regions, and hope the logo can revitalise their sector and expand production.               

The certification trademark for products made with New Zealand-grown grains is the initiative of growers via their levy organisation, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).

FAR general manager of business operations Ivan Lawrie, a driving-force behind the logo’s development, says that about 25 companies have signed-up to date, including flour millers, bakers, pasta makers and animal feed suppliers, with a steady stream of new applications arriving. Together these use a wide range of crops including wheat, barley, oats, oilseeds and quinoa.

“To support local growers and the wider arable industry, we encourage consumers to seek out the logo,” Ivan Lawrie says.

“Many products already use New Zealand-grown grains, but until now have had no easy-to-recognise way of showing this. The logo clearly distinguishes these products in the marketplace.” 

A New Zealand Grown Grains website nzgrowngrains.nz has just been launched which will showcase the companies including bakers Grizzly (Christchurch), Bellbird (Christchurch), Real Bread Kitchen (Christchurch), FlourBro (Invercargill), Wild Wheat (Auckland), Big Score (Nelson) and eckh (Timaru).  

FAR, an independent, non-profit organisation, holds the non-royalty licence for the logo. Asure Quality is responsible for auditing companies, ensuring that the products are definitely New Zealand grown.

Any growth in New Zealand-grown grains versus imports is a win, not just for arable farmers and the arable sector, but also in terms of food security and sustainable land use, Ivan Lawrie says. 

“Although the grain component may represent only a small share of a final product’s total cost, even a modest rise in demand can have significant long-term effects, encouraging investment by plant breeders, traders and processors and helping to maintain a diverse and resilient portfolio of cropping options for New Zealand growers.” 

Lees says Allen's appointment, announced last week, suggests the board is not looking for reinvention.

"It is looking for execution," says Lees, senior lecturer in agribusiness and markets at Lincoln University.

"That makes sense because Fonterra is no longer at the stage of redefining its direction.

"The co-op has already narrowed its focus around ingredients and foodservice. The challenge now is to make that model perform consistently."

Allen joined Fonterra as a graduate in 2008 and since then his career has spanned the co-operativ'es global supply chain.

Like outgoing chief executive Miles Hurrell, Allen also led the co-op's farmer facing business Farm Source for five years.

He has worked in China as vice president of Foodservice business, was the founding CEO of MyMilk, and more recently served as president Atlantic-based in Chicago, responsible for relationships with several global key accounts.

Lees says Allen's background fits that task at hand well.

"He knows the ingredients business, understands international markets, and has led Farm Source in New Zealand.

"That gives him credibility across the full value chain, from farmers and milk supply through to global customers.

"So, this looks less like a change in strategy and more like a decision to back the current one."

Lees also says that Fonterra's move away from consumer markets does not mean the opportunity to add value has disappeared.

That opportunity now sits in higher-value ingredients. Specialised proteins, functional ingredients, customised blends, and nutrition products can offer stronger margins while still fitting the co-op's ingredients-based model.

Lees adds that a strategy built on discipline and focus leaves less room for underperformance.

"Fonterra now needs to show it can control costs, lift returns from milk, and perform consistently in a volatile global dairy market.

"So, the real significance of this appointment is not just who Richard Allen is. It is what the board is signalling through him."

Fonterra chair Peter McBride says Allen is an exceptional leader who will bring to the CEO role a strong connection with farmer shareholders and customers and a deep knowledge of Fonterra's global operations and markets.

Humbled, Proud

Richard Allen says he is incredibly humbled to be appointed CEO and feels great pride to be leading the co-op.

"I've built my career with Fonterra and understand the important role the co-op plays both for farmers here in New Zealand and our customers around the world.

"I'm committed to maintaining the momentum in our performance, focused delivery of strategy and financial discipline that has been developed over recent years.

"Fonterra has a strong platform to build from and I'm excited by our prospects as we move forward as a New Zealand farmer-owned global B2B dairy provider," says Allen.

Allen steps in the role on May 1 with Hurrell staying with Fonterra in an advisory role until September 2026 to assist with the leadership transition.

He says the organisation has evolved into an advocate and guardian for the sector and all its players, including growers and processors.

Bhana is a director of Hira Bhana and company, a family business involved in growing vegetables for over 60 years. He served on grower bodies for 23 years before retiring two years ago from Potatoes NZ as deputy chair.

Potatoes NZ was incorporated on April 17, 2012, and is celebrating its birthday with a series of events this week.

New Zealand has about 150 registered potato growers, producing the crop on over 10,000ha. Bhana says Potatoes NZ plays an important role in the sector.

“What began as a collective effort to represent growers has grown into a national voice championing potatoes in all forms and practical advocacy for the industry as a whole,” he told Rural News.

“They work on our behalf on R&D and help us tackle the challenges of pests and diseases.

“They are part and parcel of what we do.”

Kate Trufitt, chief executive of Potatoes New Zealand, says this birthday comes at a time when many growers are under real pressure.

Input costs remain high, markets are tight, and uncertainty continues to weigh heavily across the sector, she says.

“While it’s important to acknowledge how far we’ve come as an organisation, our focus is firmly on supporting growers through the challenges they are facing right now — with practical tools, strong advocacy, and science-based solutions that help build resilience for the future.”

Trufitt says that as Potatoes New Zealand marks this milestone, it acknowledges the generations of growers, industry partners, researchers, and supporters who have shaped the sector through both good seasons and difficult ones.

Their resilience and commitment continue to underpin the strength of the industry today, she adds.

Looking ahead, Potatoes New Zealand remains focused on building a resilient, sustainable, and viable future for growers.

"Our commitment is unwavering: to champion the industry, to advocate strongly during tough market conditions, and to work alongside growers to ensure the long-term strength of New Zealand's potato sector," says Trufitt.

With a lot of fruit still to be harvested there were fears that the cyclone could severely damage fruit still on the vines. There were some nervous orchardists in the main kiwifruit growing regions of Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and Northland.

But NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated chief executive, Colin Bond, says that there was much less damage than predicted and, at a national level, what damage has occurred will not have an impact on the size of this year's crop. He says damage appears to be limited mainly to shelter belts and some buildings and most of the fruit on the vines has not been affected by the cyclone.

"We have only heard of a few orchards in the eastern Bay of Plenty that might have had some fruit loss caused by kiwifruit being knocked off the vine or being damaged by wind," he told Rural News.

"This picture appears to be the same in all the kiwifruit growing regions. But like any event, there will be some individual growers who have had a worse than expected experience," he says.

While the harvest has been going well, the rain from the cyclone and subsequent rain in the past week has slowed this down. But Bond points out that initially the harvest got off to a good start and growers are hoping the weather will be fine up in the next few weeks.

As the Middle East crisis shows no sign of ending, kiwifruit growers, like others in the primary sector, are having to deal with rising fuel and fertiliser prices - something Bond says is a challenge.

"But the reality is that we see ourselves as price takers. We only produce one crop a year and that is harvested; now we need to make money and get the fruit from the orchards to the supply chain, so the increasing fuel cost is a challenge. But by far the biggest challenge for growers is making sure their fruit gets to market, so we just must accept the fuel rises for now and hope that the government and the authorities are doing all that they can to make sure that we can continue to supply our markets," he says.

Bond points out that while fuel is a cost to growers, by far the biggest cost to them is labour, which makes up between 60% and 70% of orchard costs.

He says the mood of growers is positive and the market signals are good. But he notes that there remain concerns in the long term about what effect the present crisis may have on the economies of nations that we export to, and what if any impact this may have on consumer demand.

Dillon also won the top title last year.

Rural News is proud to be one of the sponsors of the championships.

Full results of the 71st Power Farming New Zealand Ploughing Championships held in Methven on 18th and 19th April 2026

Fern Energy Silver Plough Conventional overall results:

First Place: Mark Dillon - 385.5 points (won the Fern Energy Silver Plough Conventional Trophy)

Second Place: Derek Houghton - 295.5 points (won the Case IH Trophy)

Third Place: Shane Burnby - 284.5 points (winner of the Magson Trophy)

Pioneer Brand Products Reversible overall results:

First Place: Malcolm Taylor - 324.5 points, (with the reversible trophy donated by Graham and Shirley Gifford)

Second Place: Murray Baird - 295.5 points (with the Ford trophy)

Third Place: Henry Williams - 268.0 points

Winners of the Pioneer Brand Products Reversible Malcolm Taylor and Fern Energy Silver Plough Conventional Mark Dillon will represent New Zealand at the 72nd World Ploughing Contest in Kenya in 2027)

Rural News Horse Plough:

First Place: John and Sharon Chynoweth - 368.0 points (winners of the Rural News Horse trophy)

Second Place: John Booth and Paule Crawford - 297.5 points

Third Place: Ian and Kathy Cummings - 249.5 points

Holmes Solutions New Zealand Vintage Ploughing Championship:

First Place: Paula Jordan - 303.0 points (winner of the Jordan Family trophy)

Second Place: Ian Cocker - 294.0 points

Third Place: Robert Weavers - 293.0 points

Holmes Solutions Contemporary Ploughing

First Place: Josh Rushton - 325.0 points (winner of the David M Brown Memorial Trophy)

Second Place: Richard Cooke - 283.5 points

Third Place: Keith Marychurch - 231.5 points

Special Prizes: Vern Bishell Trophy donated by Vern Bishell to be presented to the best presented horse team, this will includes horses, equipment and contestants. Winner: John Booth and Paule Crawford

Wiganwood Trophy Donated by John Thornton: Best presented rig at this years Championship Winner: Murray Grainger

W G Miller Trophy Awarded to the highest place competitor 35 years of age and under at the time of this championship. Winner: Shane Burnby

Alistair Rutherford Memorial Trophy - for outstanding contribution to the sport of ploughing: Alan Begg The Jordan family prize for the straightest plot on the ground - Paula Jordan

She says this is particularly in markets with great prospects in the future such as India.

"It has taken nearly 20 years to conclude this negotiation, and we would like to see it passed by the respective Parliaments.

"As with some of our other FTAs, it will be possible to negotiate improvements in the future.

"This year, India surpassed China as the most populous country in the world. It is projected to become the world's third-largest economy within five years, and its middle class is growing.

"In addition to unlocking a promising market that has been constrained due to the 30% tariff currently on New Zealand sheepmeat, an FTA will also deliver important additional options for our exporters, spread risk and provide greater stability."

B+LNZ has signed an open letter to parliamentarians from BusinessNZ calling for the signing of the FTA.

Meat Industry Association (MIA) chair Nathan Guy says that FTA brings New Zealand's red meat sector one step closer to unlocking new opportunities from a market with considerable long-term potential.

"And we are calling on the Government to sign the FTA now to keep building momentum.

"Globally our exporters are facing rising protectionism, uncertainty and volatility. Access to different markets is key to help us weather market dynamics as it provides the sector with options and create resilience supporting farm-gate returns and the national economy," says Guy.

That’s the strong advice from Julie Clark, a Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ ) board member, who with her husband John runs a contracting business in Ōtorohanga which  was hit hard in February’s flood.

The company is now amid the maize harvest as well as undersowing, spraying and ground cultivation.

Julie says it’s been a very busy few weeks for her staff after the mid-February deluge saw up to 300 millimetres of rain dropped on the town in a few hours.

John and their son Matthew both drove tractors around midnight on Friday February 13 to rescue family and friends from the rising flood waters and returned them to their home on Kio Kio Station Rd in water about 1.5m deep.

At dawn, they were all evacuated to higher ground with the water having reached 1m high in their nearby workshop.

Julie rang her local insurance agent on the Saturday morning and started lodging multiple claims for the couple’s own home, that of their son, workshop contents and stock, cars and machinery.

She asked the agent who was away in the South Island, to come on Monday to see the damage. He was later supported by two assessors. In the interim she took photos.

“We had a dozen of our 15 tractors affected with four having to be transported to town. The staff from Giltrap AgriZone and Waikato Tractors were great in getting the gear sorted and mobile.”

The repair costs started at $5,000. One vehicle was written off as was anything electrical in the workshop. In the compound, hay and silage wrap was lost among other stock.

Julie and John have been on the property for 30 years and considered they were outside any flood risk.

“If you’d asked me if I would have a claim on a flood, I would have laughed at you.”

The flooded farm.

Now her insurer is working through seven different claims. She is grateful the company has, at her request, appointed a dedicated person to work with her rather than having to deal with multiple staff.

Julie says the total cost will run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and she expects most, though not all of this, will be covered.

She says rural contractors need to check they have full, comprehensive insurance.

“While it’s been a very trying time, we’ve had the support of our family and our friends. Our staff have also been amazing with all the hard work they put in cleaning up the damage.

“We also knew we had full cover with an insurer we’ve been with for a long time. Without all that, we’d have been knocked flat rather than being up and running again.

“I’m urging all RCNZ members to dig out that policy and check it gives you the cover you might need.”

Earl Rattray, Waikato, told Rural News that he can't recall a time when trade dealsm which are vital to New Zealand interests, didn't get bipartisan support.

"When it comes to trade matters, politicians must be one team, all pulling in the same direction," he says.

"It will be helpful when the negotiated terms of the deal are released, so we can see what the fuss is about."

National needs the support of Labour to get the FTA ratified in Parliament since coalition partner New Zealand First has withdrawn support over immigration concerns.

Rattray warns that New Zealand will be left further behind and become even less relevant globally as a trading nation if the FTA is delayed.

"It may take a long period to get re-engaged later, if they blow this chance, and then there's no guarantee a future outcome will be any better. So, where are you at the end of all that?"

Rattray says his message to parliamentarians is 'answer one question'.

"Does this deal, on balance, give New Zealand businesses more commercial opportunity than we have now?

"If the answer to that is yes, and I believe it is, then our politicians have a duty to us all to do the right thing and move forward.

"This deal is not perfect, we already know that, not all trade deals are, but it's better to be in the room talking and making progress. The sun always comes up eventually."

Rattray, in partnership with three Indian engineers, run Binsar Farms in Haryana state.

The farm "inherits traditional practices and International standards to produce best quality milk for our consumers", it's website says.

In a statement over the weekend, Cavendish says that considering information made available to him recently, he cannot “in good conscience” continue to act as a spokesperson for the Fair For Farmers campaign.

Fair For Farmers claims to represent NZ farmers operating with high standards and opposes a loophole that allows products to be sold here that would be illegal to produce on a New Zealand farm.

It says that for example, over 60% of pork sold in NZ is imported, mostly from countries allowing the use of sow stalls, a system we moved away from years ago.

Last week Federated Farmers criticised Fair For Farmers and Cavendish and questioned their links to some organisations.

It claimed that Animal Policy International, whose funding comes from “big international players involved in the vegan, plant-based, and alternative-protein scene” are pulling the strings in the background.

Cavendish, a Waikato dairy farmer, says that initially, he had asked questions about the structure, influences, and affiliations behind the campaign he was fronting.

“I was given answers: I accepted those answers,” he says.

But he adds that further information has emerged that raises issues he cannot reconcile.

“You cannot on one hand claim to stand for farmers and on the other be connected to a legacy that has actively worked against them.

“That contradiction is not something I am prepared to front, defend, or explain away.

“Accordingly, I have withdrawn as a spokesperson for Fair for Farmers.”

But Cavendish says his position on supporting NZ farmers hasn’t changed.

“My position on the need to support New Zealand farmers upholds strong animal welfare standards and ensure a fair and sustainable domestic food system remains exactly as it was.

“I remain a strong advocate for the New Zealand pork industry, the poultry sector, and rural New Zealand more broadly.

“I believe in fairness for farmers. I have argued for it publicly and without hesitation.

“But advocacy must be grounded in clarity and integrity.”

Cavendish says he will continue farmer advocacy, through his ‘Farming with Walt’ platform.

Fair for Farmers says that it is sorry to see Cavendish leave the campaign.

“Walt has been a fantastic advocate. He’s a straight-talking and forceful personality and has made a real difference.

“We have enjoyed working with him and are glad that he is going to continue his work to try to push to see the same standards applied to food products we import as apply to our own farms,” the lobby says.

Fair For Farmers maintains that its campaign has been transparent “that we are a coalition of both farmers and people with an animal welfare background”.

Federated Farmers has labelled Fair for Farmers “bad news”.

In his weekly message to members, Feds president Wayne Langford says Fair for Farmers’ campaign - pushing for a ban on the import of products like pork and poultry not farmed to New Zealand standards - presents very real trade risks, particularly for dairy and red meat farmers.

He also takes aim at individuals and organisations behind Fair for Farmers.

“This is where things start to become particularly murky and disturbing,” he says.

“Because while they may have some local farmers fronting their messages here, there’s actually another outfit called Animal Policy International who are pulling the strings in the background.

“The group’s website reveals most of their funding seems to come from big international players involved in the vegan, plant-based, and alternative-protein scene.”

Langford says these include vegetarian cosmetics company LUSH, and a group called the Stray Dog Institute, whose mission is to “reduce, reform and replace the use of animals in the food system”.

Another funder is the USA-based Tiny Bean fund, whose stated aim is to help people “understand and address the complex problem of industrial food animal production”, he says.

“Does that really sound like a group with Kiwi farmers’ best interests at heart?

“If you still need convincing, just wait until you hear who else is involved,” he says.

Langford says the group’s co-executive director is Mandy Cartner, who spent seven years working for SAFE as their campaigns director in New Zealand.

Their public affairs manager, Mona Oliver, worked for SAFE as a campaigns officer for two years and has strong links to the Green Party.

The other co-founder, Rainer Kravets, previously served as a program manager at the Food Innovation Summit 2022, the largest alternative protein conference in the Nordics.

“When you look at that line up, I’m sure you’ll appreciate why Federated Farmers aren’t prepared to sit back and let some extreme activists question our commitment to our members.

“We’ve laid out the facts – and trust farmers are intelligent enough to come to their own conclusions about who’s really got their backs.”

Fair for Farmers spokesman and Waikato dairy farmers Wade Cavendish says NZ has made the democratic choice to ban practices like sow stalls and battery cages because they do not reflect Kiwi values.

“But more than 60% of the pork on our shelves is imported from countries still using the very systems we've outlawed.”

He says the Fair for Farmers campaign proposes a straightforward, commonsense fix to the “imports problem”: if it's illegal to produce here, it shouldn't be allowed to be sold here.

“We'd expect Federated Farmers to agree too. But in recent weeks, in public statements, their spokesperson has argued against restricting low-welfare imports - while also acknowledging our farmers are getting a raw deal. His solution? Better marketing and bigger stickers on bacon.

“Feds have got this one wrong, and we think the evidence shows it clearly.”

Matt Dilly, ANZ agri economist, says fuel has emerged as the most immediate pressure point following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

“The main impact of the Middle East conflict has been a stark shift from a stable input cost environment to a volatile one,” Dilly says.

Diesel prices have surged rapidly, with overseas benchmarks and local pump prices both rising sharply.

Fuel surcharges are already being applied across land, sea, and air transport, and those costs are flowing through quickly to farm budgets.

Forestry has been hit particularly hard - log harvesting, internal transport, and shipping are all fuel intensive, leaving the sector highly exposed to higher diesel prices.

Shipping costs to China have jumped sharply in recent weeks, the report said, eroding margins for an industry that has already endured several difficult years.

Dilly says higher fuel and cartage costs were expected to slow forestry activity if prices remained elevated, especially for smaller woodlot operators who have less ability to absorb cost shocks.

“Anecdotal reports suggest a decline in forestry activity is expected if fuel prices remain elevated,” he says.

Arable farming is also under pressure - several seasons of poor returns had already dented confidence before diesel and fertiliser costs surged again.

In some cases, higher diesel prices hit while crops were still being harvested, compounding the financial impact.

“There’s never a good time to face prices doubling on key inputs, but for New Zealand arable farmers it’s come at a particularly difficult time,” Dilly says.

The fertiliser outlook was adding to that concern - the Middle East is a major source of oil, gas and petrochemical feedstocks, and global urea prices have already roughly doubled.

“So far, local fertiliser prices have only risen slightly, but that is likely to change come spring,” he says.

The report states that fuel and fertiliser account for approximately 12% of total farm expenditure.

For sheep and beef farmers, fertiliser often became the first thing to cut back on when cashflow tightened - a decision that could reduce productivity over time rather than immediately.

While the jump in input costs is a clear challenge, the report noted that parts of the rural economy are starting from a position of genuine resilience.

Dairy and red meat prices remain elevated, providing a stronger income buffer than many farmers have had in recent years, even as costs rise.

ANZ has also recently revised up its forecast for the 2025/26 farmgate milk price to $9.85/kgMS, reflecting the lift in global dairy prices over the past few months.

Beef and lamb prices have also held steady at high levels, and optimism is building for this year’s apple and kiwifruit crops.

The report states confidence across the rural sector had softened as farmers reassessed spending plans, with some cashflow that might have gone into farm development or expansion instead being held back to buffer against rising costs and interest rate risk.

Freight disruption was adding another layer of uncertainty - cargo destined for the Middle East is being rerouted at extra cost, and fuel surcharges are becoming more common across shipping routes.

Container supply had not yet tightened, but Dilly warns that disruption could not be ruled out.

“Even in the unlikely event that the Strait fully reopens next week, it will take months or years for supply chains and markets to fully return to normal,” he says.

But it seems that the two main political parties are no closer to agreement.

An open letter signed by 28 exporters, including Beef + Lamb NZ, the Meat Industry Association and Apples & Pears NZ, calls for all MPs to support the agreement and provide certainty for growers, exporters and regional New Zealand.

National concluded the FTA in December but is yet to sign the deal because coalition partner New Zealand First withdraw support.

While the two main political parties are bickering, NZ exporters are eagerly waiting to tap into the market of 1.4 billion people.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's waiting for a government response to their concerns.

"There are issues and inconsistencies that still need to be clarified by the Government to ensure any deal works in the long-term interest of New Zealanders," Hipkins told Rural News.

"Once we've received the details and worked through all the advice, we will discuss as a caucus and decide about whether to support the legislation."

Trade Minister Todd McClay says that it was pleasing to see the business and export community come out in such strong support of the deal and the opportunities it brings to all of New Zealand.

"I note support is growing, with twice the number of organisations in support since Monday," he told Rural News.

McClay says the Government will follow the normal process as with all trade agreements through the select committee process.

"This offers the public and all parties the opportunity to scrutinise the agreement in open prior to implementing legislation being considered.

"We have engaged with Labour for four months and the Prime Minister has committed for Ministers and officials to remain engaged with them in good faith."

But for farmers and growers, the delay in getting the FTA over the line is frustrating.

For the pipfruit sector, the milestone achievement in the proposed FTA includes a quota for New Zealand apples to receive a 50% reduction on tariffs, from 50% to 25%, during the window from 1 April to 31 August, focusing access on counter-seasonal supply to India's own apple industry. The reasonable quota allows for significant growth over the next six years.

Pear access into India also received a 50% reduction on tariffs, with no quota limitations.

New Zealand was the first nation to secure the inclusion of apples within an FTA with India, something New Zealand Apples and Pears chief executive Danielle Adsett describes as "no small feat".

"India has its own, vibrant apple industry that they are rightly protective of," Adsett told Rural News.

"The inclusion of apples within this FTA is a huge win for our sector. Our industry was deeply engaged with the negotiation team during discussions, and we are confident in the result for our sector.

"However, timing is critical. India has signed further agreements since ours and if the ratification of ours is pushed out to post-election, then we run the very real risk of losing our edge."

For his part, Winston Peters is doubling down on his opposition to the deal.

He's also criticised the business sector for signing the open letter to politicians.

"How on earth can there be any sort of proper analysis of the FTA if they haven't even read the agreement?

"This is tantamount to those businesses signing a contract blindfolded.

"This is an appalling image for the professionalism of New Zealand business leadership."

The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Global Growth Accelerator will introduce a select group of UK dairy and livestock innovators to New Zealand, where their technologies will be piloted directly on local farms through FIN’s nationwide network of progressive farmers.

Delivered by the UK Agri-Tech Centre, and in collaboration with Agnition Ventures and AgriTech New Zealand, the programme creates a new international pathway for promising agritech solutions to be validated in one of the world’s most advanced pasture-based farming environments.

For New Zealand farmers, the programme provides early access to emerging technologies not yet available locally, with supported pilot trials allowing farmers to test innovations with minimal risk while helping shape products through realworld feedback. These technologies have already proven themselves on UK farms, delivering both technical performance and real on-farm value. Now UK companies are bringing them to NZ to pilot in local conditions, work directly with farmers, and refine them for our farming systems before broader rollout.

It also leverages the counter-seasonality between the UK and New Zealand, enabling innovators to continue testing technologies year-round and accelerating development cycles that would otherwise stall during the northern hemisphere off-season.

Jasper van Halder, chief executive of Agnition Ventures and chief innovation officer at Ravensdown, said the programme highlights the important role New Zealand farmers play in shaping the next generation of agricultural technology.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the new regulations replace a "one-size-fits-all rule", instead opting for local decision-making based on local risks and conditions.

"The previous approach was widely seen as inflexible and, in some regions, disproportionate to the environmental benefit," McClay says.

Regulation 17 of the Resource Management (Stock Exclusion) Regulations, which relates to natural wetlands that support threatened species, has been amended so that it no longer applies to beef cattle and deer that are not intensively grazing.

The previous rule required all stock to be excluded from natural wetlands supporting threatened species, regardless of farming intensity.

Regional councils and unitary authorities remain responsible for managing and enforcing stock exclusion rules and may adopt stock exclusion requirements in their regional plans.

Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a well-managed, low-intensity grazing regime near a wetland provides continuous, natural weed control which can replace the need for chemicals.

“The costs of protecting the area could be out of proportion to the environmental gain," Hoggard says. "This is why we are focusing more on delivering fit-for-purpose farm plans where the actions are more tailored to the risks on-farm and the specific catchment, rather than a one size fits all regime from Wellington."

The amendment is part of a suite of changes this Government has made to Stock Exclusion Regulations and national direction under the Resource Management Act.

The special dividend is separate from Pāmu’s standard dividend policy and reflects a non-operating capital receipt, rather than core trading activity.

Including the special dividend, Pāmu will have paid $25 million in dividends to the Crown in the 2025/26 financial year.

Mark Leslie, chief executive of Pāmu, says the payment is reflective of disciplined capital management and continued balance sheet resilience.

"Strong performance across the business has delivered a net operating profit of $26 million at the half year, with Pāmu on track for a record full-year profit of between $97 million and $107 million," Leslie says.

"As we reach the midpoint of our five-year reset, this performance has given the board confidence to make this payment," he adds.

Leslie says that in the past three years the state farmer has focused on lifting on-farm performance, improving productivity, and running a tighter, more disciplined business.

"The results we're seeing reflect the commitment and hard work of our teams across the country," he says.

"As a State-Owned Enterprise, Pāmu manages its land and farming portfolio to deliver a financial return, return land under Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlements, and grow the future of agriculture for generations of New Zealanders," Leslie says.

"Our strong commercial performance requires high people, environmental, and animal welfare outcomes, as well as responsibility for the communities in which we operate."

The seat is currently held by Maureen Pugh, who defeated former Agriculture Minister and current Labour Party regional development, trade, and defence spokesperson Damien O’Connor in the 2023 election.

Pugh is set to retire from Parliament at this year's election.

Milne is a fifth generation farmer from the West Coast and was vice president of the World Farmers Organisation and a director for Predator Free 2050.

In 2015, Milne was named Fonterra Dairy Women of the Year. That same year, she also won the New Zealand Women of Influence Rural Award.

She says she is “honoured” to be selected as a candidate.

“That hard work starts now to re-elect a National Government that is fixing the basics and building the future,” she says.

“In an uncertain world, responsible economic management matters now more than ever,” Milne says.

She says National has saved taxpayers $43 billion to date by cutting down on “wasteful spending”.

“As a lifelong advocate for farmers, I can see firsthand how National backs our primary sector,” Milne says.

“The National-led Government has reduced red tape to get farmers back to farming, signed new trade deals which has helped increase trade by $17 billion, and introduced investment boost to encourage businesses to invest, expand, and hire more Kiwis.”

“As a fifth- generation coaster, I know that our region can be more productive, with more jobs and higher wages. That is why I will be campaigning hard to re-elect a National Government and to earn the right to be West Coast-Tasman’s next National MP. ”

Jamie Saker, who previously held livestock management and agribusiness roles within the co-operative, will rejoin Alliance as its new head of livestock.

Saker has over 30 years’ experience in the red meat and agribusiness industry, spanning livestock procurement, processing, international sales and trading.

Niall Browne, Alliance Group chief executive, says Saker has a deep understanding of the Alliance business and the red meat sector.

“His breadth and depth of knowledge about farming, processing and our global markets will be a significant boost to the team,” Browne says.

“Jamie is also a familiar face to many of our people and farmers, and we are looking forward to welcoming him back into the business.”

Meanwhile, Rob Stowell has been appointed the company’s new chief financial officer.

Stowell joins Alliance after close to two decades at Synlait.

During his time with Synlait, Stowell held various finance, commercial, strategy, and transformation leadership positions as well as several executive roles, including chief financial officer, chief commercial officer, and most recently, chief supply chain & technology officer.

“Rob is a seasoned executive with considerable financial, supply chain and technology experience as well as expertise in primary processing and manufacturing,” Browne says. “We’re excited about Rob joining Alliance.”

David William Newcombe, age 50, was sentenced in the Marton District Court after pleading guilty to eight charges under the Animal Welfare Act following prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Shane Keohane, MPI district manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance central says Newcombe’s actions were “serious offending”.

“Mr Newcombe failed to live up to his responsibilities to provide enough quality feed and timely veterinarian care for his cattle and sheep and as a result, animals suffered and died,” Keohane says.

When animal welfare inspectors visited the property, they found evidence that 86 contract grazing wagyu cattle had died from underfeeding and being affected by parasites.

The remaining 60 wagyu cattle were also in poor body weight condition and underfed. Once these animals were provided access to proper feed, they quickly regained weight.

There was also evidence that a further 40 sheep had died or been euthanised because their fleeces had not been shorn for between 18 months and two years, leaving them recumbent.

A thousand other sheep were underfed and in very light body weight condition and many were suffering from worm burdens. At least 15 sheep were euthanised to prevent further suffering.

Newcombe was directed under the Animal Welfare Act to make urgent changes, including selling surplus lambs and destocking excess cattle within seven days.

However, when an animal welfare inspector and veterinarian checked back, they found he had not sold all the lambs and had not destocked any cattle.

“Most farmers do the right thing by their animals, but Mr Newcombe clearly did not,” says Keohane.

“This was compounded by the fact that under his grazing contract, he had access to free veterinarian but did not appear to use them,” he adds.

MPI strongly encourages any member of the public aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 008 333.

The agreement was announced just before Christmas 2025 and was largely celebrated by the primary sector.

However, the coalition Government has appeared split on the deal, with NZ First leader Winston Peters claiming the deal is "neither free nor fair".

Meat Industry Association (MIA) chair, Nathan Guy says the FTA will bring New Zealand's red meat sector one step closer to unlocking new opportunities from a market with considerable long-term potential.

He says the sector is calling on the Government to sign the FTA now to keep building momentum.

"Globally our exporters are facing rising protectionism, uncertainty and volatility," Guy says.

"Access to different markets is key to help us weather market dynamics as it provides the sector with options and creates resilience supporting farm-gate returns and the national economy," he says.

"That is why MIA and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) have both signed the BusinessNZ-led letter."

Kate Acland, B+LNZ chair, says in these uncertain times New Zealand needs to do everything it can seize market access opportunities, particularly in markets with great prospects in the future such as India.

"It has taken nearly 20 years to conclude this negotiation, and we would like to see it passed by the respective Parliaments," Acland says. "As with some of our other FTAs, it will be possible to negotiate improvements in the future."

"This year, India surpassed China as the most populous country in the world. It is projected to become the world's third-largest economy within five years, and its middle class is growing," she says.

"In addition to unlocking a promising market that has been constrained due to the 30% tariff currently on New Zealand sheepmeat, an FTA will also deliver important additional options for our exporters, spread risk and provide greater stability."

The company has signed an open letter from BusinessNZ to parliamentarians.

John McWhirter, chief executive of Wools of New Zealand, says a deal would open up significant opportunities for the country's wool sector.

"India is home to some of the world’s leading premium handmade carpet and rug manufacturers so this FTA will provide a major boost to farmers and New Zealand’s wool industry," McWhirter says.

“Wools of New Zealand is already working closely with these producers to sell finished wool products into the New Zealand market. We are also partnering with Indian manufacturers supplying finished wool products to major European brand retailers."

McWhirter says an FTA with India would strengthen those relationships and improve the company's ability to do business within that market.

“Lower barriers and greater certainty will help make wool products more cost-effective and competitive, particularly as we work to displace plastic-based alternatives.

“Premium Indian mills are increasingly seeking high-quality, certified New Zealand wool sourced directly from farmers.

“An FTA will pave the way for India to play a greater role as a key manufacturing and value-adding partner for New Zealand wool.

“It will help lift grower returns, boost international demand for natural fibres and help position wool as a credible, sustainable alternative to synthetic products.”

Red Strong Wind Warnings are in place for both Bay of Plenty and Coromandel, with gusts of up to 130km/hr posing risks to life, infrastructure, transport, and power supply.

Orange warnings and watches also extend across much of the North Island.

According to Metservice, at 11:30am Sunday, the centre of Cyclone Vaianu was situated due east of Coromandel Peninsular, tracking southwards towards the Bay of Plenty.

While the centre is still offshore, the strong winds, heavy rain and large swells associated with this system are being felt far from the centre.

Overnight, gusts of over 130km/h were recorded at Mokohinau and Channel Island and 24-hour rainfall totals in Whangārei reached over 100mm.

As Cyclone Vaianu continues to move closer to New Zealand winds are set to increase, especially for regions like the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel where gusts of 130km/h are possible.

A Red Strong Wind Warning remains active in these areas until Sunday evening. Winds of these strengths bring the threat to life from flying items and falling trees.

Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, and significant disruption to transport and power supply.

Strong Wind Warnings and Watches cover the rest of the North Island. Auckland will notice strengthening southwesterlies this afternoon as Cyclone Vaianu moves to the southeast.

Wrapping around Vaianu, bands of rain will bring some larger totals to parts of the North Island and top of the South Island. A patchwork of Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches are in place, with the heaviest rain forecast over the higher ground from the Coromandel to the east coast.

The combination of strong onshore winds, rising rivers, large swells and low pressure increase the risk of coastal inundation especially for the Bay of Plenty and round to Hawke’s Bay. Be extra cautious around the coast, especially around high tide.

Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to cross the North Island today and move between the South Island and the Chatham Islands during Monday. A Strong Wind Watch is in place for the Chatham Islands from 9pm Sunday to 9am Monday.

Julian Snowball, group controller for the Waikato CDEM Group, says now is not the time for people to become complacent.

"There were around 800 power outages across the Waikato overnight," Snowball says. "Power companies are restoring services where it is safe to do so."

He says mandatory evacuations have been coordinated across multiple homes, with residents being cared for by friends and families.

"Civil Defence Centres are available across the region, to receive displaced people, if required.

“We haven’t seen the worst of Cyclone Vaianu yet, so we continue to ask people to hunker down for now. Stay off the roads if possible, and there is still time to get better prepared.”

Snowball says if people's properties have previously experienced flooding during storms, and they are worried about their safety, they may like to self-evacuate to friends and family before the main weather system arrives.

“If that’s not an option, contact your local council for updates on the nearest Civil Defence Centres.”

Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency New Zealand says it has responded to a small number of calls for assistance as a result of the storm.

Brendan Nally, director of operations, says that as at 5am, 12 April 2026, crews responded to twelve incidents linked to Cyclone Vaianu. However, none of them were life threatening.

Most of the incidents are related to the winds, with fallen trees impacting properties and roofs lifting.

Additionally, Fire and Emergency assisted Civil Defence and New Zealand Police with precautionary evacuations from coastal areas in Northland and the Bay of Plenty yesterday.

Enhanced rescue teams are pre-positioned in Whangarei, Auckland, Rotorua, Tairawhiti, and Coromandel to support local fire brigades.

Fire and Emergency’s National Coordination Centre is activated, along with its Region Coordination Centres in Auckland and Tauranga.

The storm is anticipated to bring severe and potentially life-threatening and damaging weather across the North Island from late Saturday.

Councillor Emma Pike, joint committee chair of the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says that use of a Group-wide State of Emergency is rare for the area and reflects both the scale and possible impacts of the incoming event.

“This is a serious weather system expected to affect the entire Waikato CDEM Group Area, to varying degrees. Declaring a State of Emergency now allows us to act early, be as agile as possible, and proactively reduce the risk to our communities," Pike says.

“The declaration will enable a coordinated regional response and ensure resources can be deployed quickly to where they are needed most.”

Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring:

• Damaging winds, with gusts up to 120-140 km/hr, particularly in exposed and eastern areas
• Heavy rainfall leading to river and surface flooding
• Heavy wind and rainfall leading to a heightened risk of landslides
• Dangerous coastal conditions

The most significant impacts are expected from late Sunday morning through to mid-afternoon, with conditions beginning to deteriorate from approximately 10pm on Saturday onwards.

Emergency Operations Centres are activating across the region, and Civil Defence Centres are being prepared in all areas of the region.

"If you are worried about your safety, particularly if you live in an area that has been impacted by flooding or land-slips - please do not wait. Contact your local council now to discuss alternative accommodation options," Waikato CDEM group controller, Julian Snowball says.

Residents are urged to take action now while conditions remain safe. What you should do now:

• Secure loose outdoor items
• Clear drains and gutters
• Charge devices and prepare for power outages
• Check on neighbours, especially those who may need support
• If you feel that you're in an unsafe situation or would like to self-evacuate, get in touch with your local Council as soon as possible for guidance.

Plan to stay home on Sunday:

• Avoid unnecessary travel
• Expect road closures and delays
• Prepare for the instance that emergency services may not be able to reach you quickly.

Be aware of flooding risks:

• Rivers may rise quickly due to saturated ground
• Never drive through floodwater
• Be ready to move if instructed.

Coastal areas:

• Stay well away from beaches and shorelines
• Large waves and storm surge are dangerous.

Residents are strongly encouraged to follow information from Waikato Civil Defence and their local councils and to be prepared for possible Emergency Mobile Alerts.

“We are asking people to take this seriously, prepare today, and look after themselves and their neighbours. Acting now will make a real difference,” Pike concludes.

John Deere production and precision ag marketing manager, Royce Bell, says the changes can influence success at harvest time, including getting crops off as quickly as possible.

Harvest Settings Automation offers faster starts by automatically setting concave clearance, fan speed, rotor speed, sieve clearance, and chaffer clearance, based on the combine model, crop type and geolocation. After the operator sets limits for grain loss, MOG and broken grains, the system automatically adjusts the aforementioned settings to stay within the selected limits.

Currently available for wheat, barley, canola, corn, soybeans and rice, for MY 2027, the system has been expanded to deal with oats, lentils, peas, rye, triticale, and sunflower crops.

First offered for MY 2025, Predictive Ground Speed Automation (PGSA) controls the combine’s ground speed based on crop height and biomass measurements taken pre-harvest from satellite scans and on-the-go measurements made by cab-mounted cameras.

In operation, cab-mounted cameras add real-time detection of conditions such as downed crops or dense weed patches, ensuring speed regulation through these areas for optimal performance. For MY 2027, PGSA features Green Crop Detection, using enhanced data processing power and a specific algorithm, to accurately detect green crops within an otherwise-mature stand.

Other MY27 features include Tru-Thresh concaves with remote concave and separator grate adjustment, alongside new half-length concaves allowing modular installation and improved durability, for new MY 2027 X9 combines, which will also feature factory pre-cut openings in the clean grain elevator, allowing easier retro fitment of the HarvestLab systems.

All MY 2027 X9 and S7 combines will be available with a new power folding ladder option, while a new 35ft (10.7m) unloading auger on the X9 creates an additional 1.22m (4ft) of clearance between the header and unloading auger, allowing the use of wider headers or controlled traffic farming unloading-on-the-go on a 12 metre system. The new 550-bushel grain tank on the X9 allows for longer time between unloads and more capacity when opening larger paddocks, while also including heavy-duty final drives.

In addition to MY 2027 combine updates, there are changes to front-end equipment, including a new 27-row folding corn head (CF27) on 50.8cm (20in.) spacing. Corn head automation will be an optional feature on 2027 heads which will automatically control deck plate spacing and back-shaft speed, resulting results in more productivity, efficiency, and grain loss reduction.

John Deere is also launching Precision Upgrade Combine Automation Packages, allowing customers with a MY25 or newer S7 or X9 customers that have the Select Technology Package from the factory, to upgrade to Premium or Ultimate Technology Packages.

Recent trials, using the well-known independent and standardised DLG PowerMix tests, said to be the benchmark for tractor fuel efficiency, compared the MF 8S Xtra Dyna E-Power and Dyna-VT models with their main market segment competitors, highlighted the performance of the Massey Ferguson engines and powertrains.

Comparing performance in a series of working environments designed to replicate farm operations, PowerMix includes 14 transport and field applications at varying speeds and operational loads, alongside looking at tasks using PTO and hydraulically-driven implements.

The Massey Ferguson 8S.265 Xtra Dyna E-Power “achieved exceptional results for fieldwork”, beating its six competitors in the 209kW +/-20kW (330 maximum horsepower) category, taking first place overall with fuel savings of 4-22g/kWh. The MF 8S.265 Xtra Dyna-VT also scored highly, achieving second place in the CVT transmission category ahead of several key competitors.

Massey Ferguson’s marketing team notes that by using less energy (g/kWh) than other brands and models in the same market segment, across varied applications. the MF 8S Xtra series tractors could help users achieve fuel savings up to 3.74 l/hr, or 18,727L over 5000 operating hours. Alternatively, this translates into working more hectares while using the same amount of fuel, reducing owners’ costs of operation.

With a continuously variable transmission designed for optimum precision and flexibility, the MF 8S Xtra Dyna-VT also impressed averaged 247g/kWh specific fuel consumption across the range of field tasks. The latest MF 8S Xtra series offers six models from 205hp to 305hp and is powered by AGCO Power 6 cylinder, 7.4L engines, delivering strong power, torque and performance at low engine speeds, helping to reduce operating costs. The alternative choice of transmissions allows customers to select the most suitable drivetrain for their situation.

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) event in Christchurch on May 18 brings together stud breeders, scientists, and industry professionals from across the country.

This year, the FORUM runs alongside B+LNZ’s Out the Gate farmer event and awards dinner. B+LNZ says attendees can look forward to a full day of updates, discussion and interactive sessions focused on sheep genetics and the New Zealand Genetic Evaluation. The forum will also give delegates a first look at a new genetics tool rolling out via nProve later this year.

The forum opens with presentations from B+LNZ chief executive Alan Thomson and head of genetics Jason Archer, who will outline B+LNZ’s strategic priorities for 2026/27 and how sheep genetics fits within that broader direction.

Autumn on the farm usually means a busy time in the cattle yards.

Cows and calves are mustered, and the weaning process gets underway. As this is often the first yarding since calf marking, it's a good chance to not only weigh calves, but assess cow condition, cull non-performers and map out a plan for the winter. For any calves staying on farm, whether future mums or future steaks, a weaning drench is recommended in nearly all situations.

In most beef breeding-only systems, the overall worm challenge is fairly low. By the time beef calves are weaned at around five to six months of age, they have already passed through some of their most vulnerable months for worm infection. Well-grown calves with good weaning weights are better equipped to handle the transition away from mum and the milk-bar that she provided.

However, weaning can still be a tough time for calves, particularly for those weaned early or at lighter weaning weights.

Good nutrition is a calf’s best defence against worms. The quicker they grow, the less time they are vulnerable to a worm challenge, needing less drench overall. Starting weaners on high quality feed with low larval contamination is the key. Aim for post-grazing pasture covers of 1600kg DM/ha.

Remember calves in their first year are the main source of pasture contamination for other cattle.

Some will be wormier than others, depending on how well grown they are, how well mum was still milking, and the quality of pasture they’ve had up until weaning. For the warmer parts of the country, larval development on pasture continues for longer into winter and weaned calves can continue to be a source of pasture contamination for next spring. Avoid having weaned calves by themselves in a rotation if possible, as they’ll likely be creating a worm ‘hot spot’.

Using a drench product demonstrated to be effective on your farm is also very important if you want to avoid populating weaner grazing areas with drench resistant worms. Leaving worms behind after drenching is also not a smart move for promoting great liveweight gains in your weaners either.

So which drench should you use?

In terms of formulation, the best option for calves at weaning is an oral combination drench.

injection might seem easier, or just what you’ve always done, but they simply don’t stack up the same. Studies have shown they are not as effective as oral drenches when it comes to tackling drug-resistant Cooperia. This worm is common in calves in their first summer and autumn, so using an oral combination drench in their first year of life is the best option. An added bonus is that oral products tend to be cheaper as well.

Another time-bomb for calves is Ostertagia. This worm tends to become more of a threat as cattle approach their first winter. Historically, ‘Mectin drench products have been more effective against Ostertagia than the Benzimidazole and Levamisole products and it is recommended that combination treatments for calves should contain a ‘Mectin component from late autumn onwards.

Drenching the calves isn’t the end of the story. Assuming the product is doing its job without checking may result in calves not thriving - drench resistance is not just the realm of sheep farmers anymore!

Drench Check

Doing a drench check at weaning is worth the effort and can inform your drench choices for the rest of the winter. Ideally collect fresh poo samples for faecal egg counts (FECs) and worm species identification on the day you give your drench (so you know what was there to start with) and then repeat the samples 10-14 days after drenching. Ideally FECs will have dropped to zero after your treatment. Your vet can help you set this test up correctly.

When to drench next depends on the age and size of calves at weaning along with quality of feed available and the level of worm contamination where they are grazing. FEC monitoring may be appropriate in calves six months of age or younger, and/or weaned at light bodyweights. FECs don’t tell the whole story, knowing what worm species are affecting your calves can mean a targeted approach to drench treatments. Ostertagia is a low egg producer but can still pack a punch due to the burrowing of immature larvae as well adult worms into the abomasal wall, so an infection can fly under the radar until it is too late.

Use larval culture or the newer fast-turnaround GIN PCR to pinpoint what worm species are present. GIN PCR can give you a result within a few days, enabling timely drench decisions. Monitoring growth rates is also a valuable part of tracking how calves are going.

So, make sure your beef weaners are set up to win the war against worms. Provide good nutrition, try to wean them onto an area that’s likely to present a low cattle worm challenge, use an effective oral combination drench and do a quick check of the treatment to set your calves up for a strong start.

The team have mounted about 30 mostly-South Island adventures over the last 15 years or so. The core group are a collection of about a dozen 60-something-year-old doctors, a dentist, a pharmacist, a landscape designer, a farmer, together with a few other additions and extractions over the years.

Waiau Toa Clarence River has always been a source of fascination for retired doctor Andrew Findlay. Fuelled by that interest, he put together an expedition with a twist, taking on the length of the river in a single trip.

Andrew had rafted part of Waiau Toa with a group of families about three years ago, but this time it was a seven-dayer and the buildup was a bit different.

"I had a bike accident a couple of years ago, basically broke my back, and then I had a fleeting experience with paraplegia. So, I figured that was going to be it for a lot of things, but after the initial surgery things came back surprisingly quickly. I've still got a couple more operations to go but it's been about getting yourself back into your head, back to normal life again."

There were many intrepid moments for the team but their ultimate memory must surely have been a bottle of Waiau Toa Clarence, scooped from a bubbling source near Belvedere Peak, at the head of the catchment.

Supported by Ben Judge's crew at Clarence River Rafting, the team drove down from Blenheim to St Arnaud before setting out for the Clarence's interior.

First steps; a 50km mountain bike section along the Rainbow Station to Hanmer high country road to camp 1, which was situated just short of Lake Tennyson at Sedgemere Flat.

Day 2 was a morning bike followed by a six-hour tramp around the Lake to the Belvedere Peak base camp. Day 3, Eureka! the source was discovered after a long, hard 14-hour return tramp/climb to the peak and retracing back to Lake Tennyson.

The source of Waiau Toa Clarence is just below Belvedere, which has a unique, but little-known geographical feature. It has four watersheds which lead to three South Island coastlines: the Clarence flowing to the Pacific, two joining to form the source of the Wairau River which leads to Cook Strait and the East Sabine, which connects to the headwaters of the Buller and ultimately the Tasman Sea.

"The Māori history is that it was significant to them because they could get to three different coastlines with their waka, the Pacific, the Tasman Sea and then Cook Strait with their waka. They could paddle down there with any produce, food or whatever they could, or even just for transport - they could go across the country. When we went from Lake Tennyson up the valley, you realise that you can see this classical, U-shaped glacial valley. It's quite different to a flooded river valley, which is more a V shape. Suddenly it dawned on me that Lake Tennyson is actually the terminal lake right at the end of what was once a glacier."

The team has a few clues trying to find the source, namely topo maps and their knowledge of South Island high country.

"The topo maps trace out the course of the upper reaches of the river and where, in theory, it should start and eventually where it stops. In real terms however, to find the true and accurate source, you need to read the terrain to where the water actually pops out of the side of the hill. And in this case, it was out under snow."

They took ice axes but didn't really need them as in the middle of the summer, a lt of the snow has melted, "so we just sort of searched through the rocks and scree until eventually the water source disappeared underground".

The team still kept searching even higher up, to find the actual source - and Andrew says it all comes down to listening for water under the rocks.

"You put your ear down, dig down a bit and there it was. So now I've got a scoop of it in a bottle."

Completing the trip in one go from source to sea felt like a special achievement for the while team.

"We like to think that nobody's actually done the whole thing in one go before. Certainly, people have done separate sections and we know people have gone from Tennyson up to Belvedere Peak and back. bUT i DON'T BELIEVE they would have then biked, walked and rafted and then got all the way down to the ocean," says Andrew.

Making Connections

High country adventures connect you to people in a different kind of way, Andrew Findlay says.

"Because we've done quite a number of trips that involve high country stations, you're staying in huts, shearer's quarters and homesteads. A lot of the expeditions have been around the lower half of South Island. Everyone likes to pretend they're sort of the true southern man, don't they? In our jobs we associate with people from all walks of life, but we particularly enjoy meeting people from the agrarian sector. They're good, solid people and meeting them on our expeditions, allows us to form a connection in a different way."

Most of the ideas for these trips start at a dinner party over a couple of beers or wine "and then someone suggests things, and it snowballs from there".

The team have got their drill down pat. "We're ready for the next adventure," Andrew says.

While they have little control over pricing, FAR technology manager Chris Smith, says that making the most of a range of available tools to ensure that inputs are being used efficiently as possible will help address those worries. Many of these are already available in tractor cabs or farm offices.

"One of the most reliable places to start is with guidance and auto-steering technology, with manual steering inevitably meaning overlaps, often at 5 to 10% across a typical day's work. Auto-steer helps trim that down to between 1 to 3%. The small adjustment in accuracy can deliver a surprisingly large payoff, while straighter passes, besides looking tidier, also help reduce throttle variation, lower operator fatigue, and keep machinery working more efficiently," says Smith.

Smith says that those gains become even more pronounced when visibility drops, whether that's spraying at night, working with wide implements, or operating in the flat, hazy light that often blankets the Canterbury Plains. Typically, most users who move from a manual to an accurate guidance system can expect to burn between 5 and 12% less diesel over a typical season.

Chris notes such technology doesn't have to be expensive.

"Of course, not all GPS systems are equal, but choosing the ideal level of accuracy can prevent unnecessary spending. A range of offedrings include SouthPAN, which is free and works anywhere with a clear sky view, while delivering enough accuracy for mapping tasks and jobs that don't require precision."

Moving up a level, services like CentrePoint RTX offer near-RTK accuracy once they have converged, marking them ideal for spreading or spraying where consistent two-to-three-centimetre repeatability is valuable."

Smith explains that farmers wanting instant, high-accuracy performance for tasks like precision planting or strip-till will still find RTK difficult to beat; although they should realise that RTK will never pay for itself through fuel savings alone. Rather, its value comes from several factors including time savings, reduced overlap, less fatique, and the ability to manage inputs more precisely.

Product Placement Can Also Deliver Savings

Product placement is another area growers should be considering in terms of input efficiency, noting that even a basic guidance system can typically knock between 2 to 7% off chemical or fertiliser inputs.

When complemented by the addition of section control, it often delivers total savings of more than 10% once overlaps are removed on headlands and awkward field shapes.

The next real step change comes from variable rate application (VRA) that across typical New Zealand paddocks offers nitrogen savings of 5 to 20%, alongside phosphate and potash reductions by 10 to 25%. Results suggest that lime spreading is often the standout, with well-mapped paddocks showing reductions of 20 to 50% as over-supplied zones are corrected rather than blanket treated.

FAR technology manager Chris Smith says to make VRA genuinely effective, several data streams need to come together, such as soil sampling, canopy imagery, crop sensors, remote sensing, and yield maps to provide the guidance system with real intelligence.

"These layers feed into prescription software, where maps are turned into application zones and 'what-if' scenarios to estimate savings before any applications take place. Rate controllers, terminals, and ISOBUS systems then execute the plan, while as-applied maps and yield monitors show what happened post-event," says Smith.

"The cost of upgrading to VRA-capable equipment is typically around $20,000 over a standard machine, but payback can come surprisingly quickly."

In addition, users should also be considering optimum fertiliser rates, where those applying high rates to chase maximum yields, might be better off accepting lower yields, but increased margins.

Further points for consideration include choosing the right tractor or implement for a particular job. Many jobs simply don't require a large tractor, meaning that using less horsepower can cut fuel use by 20 to 40% on lighter tasks. The difference is easily demonstrated by comparing a 100hp tractor, burning 8 to 10 litres an hour, with a 200hp machine typically burning up to 20 litres per hour.

Tyre pressures are also an important consideration, reflected by correct inflation offering fuel savings of 5 to 10% in light duties or up to 20% in heavy draught applications. Constant monitoring means lower pressures in the paddock helps reduce wheel slip and improve traction, while higher road pressures for transport applications, helps reduce rolling resistance on the trek home.

"The key message is that small refinements, applied consistently, can deliver significant savings," says Smith. "All growers can implement some or all of the ideas suggested and, over time, move towards using them to their full potential."

Dr Steve Wakelin (Scion section of the new BioEconomy Science Institute) is not the first person to say this, but he made the importance clear by setting his Norman Taylor Lecture (the premier acknowledgement of research contribution awarded by the New Zealand Soil Science Society) in the context of New Zealand soil, pasture, feeding people – and the role of science in minimising food’s footprint.

Dr Wakelin is a soil biology expert with a PhD from Lincoln University. His research over the years has covered ecological genomics, molecular microbiology, microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, soil-plant-microbe interactions and ecosystem function and stability.

In his lecture he was able to include different aspects from his work to make the case that we are still finding out about interactions between living organisms in the soil – and we should be doing more. He didn’t dwell on the difficulty of attracting funding for research, nor the reorganisations that are occurring in science with institutions merging last year, he simply made the case for improved understanding of where progress could be made.

White clover and nitrogen fixation by rhizobia was one of the examples used.

Rhizobia number somewhere between 1000 and 1,000,000 per gram of soil (a teaspoon being approximately 5g). These rhizobia have been calculated to save farmers $3.9 billion dollars a year in nitrogen (though fixation does have a cost in terms of the plant’s energy and dry matter production). Despite the value of the micro-organisms, most of the research on breeding in pasture has concentrated on breeding better plants.

Dr Wakelin suggested rhizobial research should also be funded, particularly as the current rhizobia came from Australia. His point was not that Australia as a source was a problem in itself, but that the introduced rhizobia are only partially effective with white clover. Attempts to introduce new rhizobia last century resulted in the conclusion that displacing the current, environmentally well-adapted, rhizobia was challenging. Improved understanding over the last 30 years could change the outcome for high performance pastures.

For the future, Dr Wakelin highlighted the role of science. “Science is literally the instruction manual for our world – and we need improved education in many areas to ensure that the population is at the forefront of understanding.”

Understanding builds trust and with trust progress is enabled.

New Zealand ranks among the top countries for trust in scientists, with strong public belief in their expertise and need for involvement in policy. This was reported at the beginning of last year from global research. Trust was reported to be strongest and highly rated in competence (qualifications) and benevolence (honesty), but public trust in the openness of scientists to opposing views was lower – 79% of New Zealanders believe scientists should communicate more.

The question then might be how this should occur? Could society cope with more newsletters, press articles, radio interviews, TV programmes, and blog posts on social media? Of importance, how would information be distinguished from the misinformation and disinformation that is rife?

Asking ‘what does the person stand to gain if I believe him (or her)?’ can help.

Dr Wakelin’s interest in soil science was stimulated through the field of plant pathology and soil-borne diseases.

“Soils,” said Dr Wakelin, “with the exception of carbon from the air and energy from sunlight, give plants all the essential minerals for growth. Understanding the processes regulating the occurrence and availability of these nutrients, and how plant roots acquire them, is not only fascinating, but crucial – the understanding literally underpins our bioeconomy. Soil is the most complex ecosystem and the most complex biomaterial known. It’s a fascinating ecosystem to work in.”

Dr Wakelin won’t be the last person to make the point about creating the smallest footprint possible for feeding the global population. Nor is he likely to be the last person urging an improved education system.

But he has linked the two: “Education is the foundation – as is the soil.”

Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Adjunct Professor Lincoln University, is a farmer-elected director of DairyNZ and Ravensdown. She is also a member of the Scientific Council of the World Farmers’ Organisation. jsrowarth@gmail.com

Latest data reflects strong global demand for beef and lamb and tightening supply, with average farm profit forecast to climb to $287,600 per farm in 2025–26 – nearly double last season’s result.

Real farm profit before tax (FPBT), accounting for inflation, is expected to sit about 80% above the decade average.

And when farmers do well, the rural economy does well.

Red meat farmers are expected to generate $8.5 billion on farm this year and spend $16 million every day on goods and services, largely in their local communities.

At a regional level, on the East Coast FPBT is forecast to double to an average $330,300 and in Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, it is set to rise 73% to $324,500.

As Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins notes, the extra revenue will flow straight into rural communities.

Farmers will spend on day-to-day running costs but also on catching up with delayed maintenance on things like extra fencing, weed control, pasture renewal or fertiliser.

That will keep the money circulating through support industries and rural communities.

And market fundamentals are sound with strong demand for beef into North America and for lamb into the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Demand and pricing in China remain softer, but overall, the global picture is far more positive than it has been in recent years.

Wool prices are also showing signs of meaningful recovery after several challenging years, although much of the lift is being driven by lower stocks globally.

Overall, farmers are riding a real high.

Strong returns across sheep, beef, and wool, along with a favourable climate, sensible policies, and decent interest rates; Dawkins describes this combination as rare.

While there’s still a degree of uncertainty with geopolitical risks on many red meat farmers’ minds, this is a time to celebrate the rebound in meat prices and profits.

Matai Pacific Iwi Collective (MPIC) are one of three finalists in this year's Ahuwhenua Trophy competition to determine the best Māori horticulture operation in the country. But just a few hours before the field day was scheduled to take place, MPIC cancelled it because of the severe weather warnings and the likelihood that conditions could deteriorate during the day.

A huge effort had gone into preparing for the day, with food on hand for an estimated 200 plus people, marquees were in place and a big screen had been erected at the beautiful Hei Marae for presentations by MPIC.

But the chair of the collective, Tiaki Hunia, says it was the right call to cancel the day. He says the reason was based on their values of kaitiakitanga, meaning caring for people, and they didn't want people to be travelling in the dangerous, stormy weather.

"We wanted to be sure that people who came to the event could get home safely, and given the orange weather warning and the experience we have had with weather events in the Bay of Plenty, it was a no-brainer to call off the event," he says.

Hunia says they will hold another field day for the public sometime in the future when the weather is settled.

The one bit of good news was that the judges for the competition spent the previous day with MPIC trustees and staff and not being able to hold the field day will not in any way disadvantage them. This has happened before.

While the actual field day did not go ahead, representatives of the other finalists - the Ngati Hine Forestry Trust from Northland and the Otama Marere Trust from nearby Paengaroa - had arrived for the event. It was decided that they and some of the staff from MPIC and a few special guests would be welcomed onto the marae with the Ahuwhenua Trophy and given a brief presentation and later kai. But while this went ahead, the rain just continued to pour down.

Hunia says the very downsized event was about thanking the marae and all those who had worked to make the day a success.

Some Good News

While weather forced Matai Pacific Iwi Collective (MPIC) to cancel their field day, some exciting news came their way a few days later: Two of their staff, Charles Russell and Tom Heeney, were naed the Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for building a large-scale kiwifruit operation grounded in cultural values, environmental stewardship and strong commercial performance.

Judges praised the strength of the collective's governance and clarity of direction, citing their clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded within tikanga, with strong reporting systems that demonstrate accountability and measurable progress.

“Decision making consistently balances environmental responsibility, cultural integrity and commercial performance, creating a resilient and future-focused enterprise,” said the judges.

Tom Heeney (left) and Charles Russell.

They noted environmental stewardship was visible across the orchards, with 13,000 native plants established in 2025 alone, alongside extensive wetland creation and riparian restoration. Also, that the orchards serve as research sites, hosting trials on native pollinators and supporting biodiversity outcomes.

“Clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded within tikanga, with strong reporting systems that demonstrate accountability and measurable progress. Decision making consistently balances environmental responsibility, cultural integrity and commercial performance, creating a resilient and future-focused enterprise,” said the judges.

They also noted that innovation was a key driver of the business an example of which included recycling 450km of growing string annually into plastic pallets, as well as the use of drone technology for pest plant management and ongoing investment in emissions reduction through native planting under the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Judges also said that MPIC displayed thoughtful leadership, uplifting community and honouring the stewardship of both past and future kaitiaki of their land.

Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett says dairy conversion is "a logical move" for anyone who wants to get out.

"The ability is there to do that in certain locations. Or they'll bring more livestock into the system," he told Rural News.

"Those are the changes people are making these days."

His comments come as diesel prices have doubled because of the Iran war, with fertiliser prices tipped to follow suit, following a season where poor weather has played havoc with crop yield and quality.

Birkett said there was still some harvesting to be done in Canterbury and the quality was yet to be determined.

"We're just still waiting to see what the quality is like, but yes it has been a tough year and then these increasing costs have exacerbated that problem.

"What we're currently doing is trying to work our a mechanism in which we can pass on those costs, because at the moment, particularly in arable, we don't have the ability to pass on any cost.

"We sign a contract now and we have to stick with that price for the whole year. And that's pretty hard going. Whereas everyone else in the value chain is able to pass costs on.

"We're going to struggle to survive if we have to absorb these costs anymore."

Birkett said the Iran war had basically doubled diesel fuel costs, from around $1.50 a litre on-farm delivered, to around the three dollar mark, even for bulk deliveries.

"Some of the gear we're using now is pretty big. A combine harvester can be up to a thousand litres a day, and then we've still got all the auxiliary tractors and trailers to cart product away."

Arable farmers were also replanting for the autumn.

"About 70 percent of our crop will go in the next six weeks. It's a pretty busy time, particularly on an arable farm."

Birkett said it was important for farmers to start looking at how they are using fuel.

"There are some jobs that just need to be done, particularly around getting food and product in the ground so that it's growing."

But there were other jobs which could be delayed.

"It's important that everyone's thinking if the job they're doing today is really essential for that fuel use."

He said that those planting out may need to ask whether they need to do "that last pass across the paddock" to get it perfect.

"Because every time we turn the key, as soon as you put your hand on the key, it's costing you significant money these days."

Farmers were also starting to consider changing to crops that needed less care and attention in spring and were therefore cheaper to grow. While that might mean taking a hit on the final value of the crop, the reduced costs could still leave them in a better position.

Fert Prices

Fertiliser companies are trying to ake sure people don't panic buy, by making it clear that they've got supply for autumn application.

But Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett says spring fertiliser prices also looked to double from where they were.

"It sounds like they are locating different suppliers in the spring so they're hoping that the supply will be okay. But the unknown is the price, and we've already seen in Australia that the urea price is about A$1600."

Birkett said the feds had been talking with the Government about agriculture being an essential service, just as it was during Covid. While the Government was certainly listening, it was about global economics and influence.

"You know, the Government here in New Zealand is really along for the ride, to a degree."

Birkett said future thinking should be about how to build up domestic resilience.

"We've done a great job increasing exports but we've probably done it at the expense of our domestic economy, and when we have events like this, the domestic economy becomes more and more important.

"A little bit more focus on that domestic economy would put us in a stronger position when we have these types of events happening, which do seem to be happening more often," he said.

The Seed Certification Information System (SCIS) is a modern, secure, and fully digital platform.

It's the result of a six year, $7 million project, initiated and led by the New Zealand Seeds Authority (NZSA), with funding support of over $2 million from the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures). Development of the SCIS has now been completed, and its functions and roles have been formally approved for use by MPI.

A project steering group, comprising representatives from NZSA, AsureQuality, and MPI, oversaw the development, with each organisation playing a critical role in New Zealand's seed certification ecosystem:

• MPI is the regulator of the OECD seed varietal certification scheme in New Zealand.
• AsureQuality delivers contracted seed certification services to the industry and is the country's sole Independent Verification Agency (IVA) for official seed certification schemes.
• NZSA provides governance and policy direction for certification schemes, representing seed growers, processors, and seed companies through its industry-based executive.

George Gerard, chair of the NZSA, says that "the new SCIS replaces the existing legacy system, which had become outdated, unsupported, and no longer met modern digital security expectations".

"It introduces a fully online, role-based digital environment, eliminating all manual paper-based processes previously used in seed certification administration," says Gerard.

A key innovation within SCIS is its use of geospatial technology to map certified seed crops, enhancing traceability, accuracy, and compliance. These features directly support MPI's objective of strengthening the OECD varietal assurance framework and improving the integrity of New Zealand's certification processes.

SCIS is currently in a pilot phase with select industry users, operating on crops from the 2026 harvest. The system will be used for the full administration of certified seed crops in the 2026/2027 cropping season.

The introduction of SCIS represents a new era in seed certification; one that its creators say enhances security, transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability for New Zealand's vital seed industry.

This took place during a recent visit by Ireland's Minister of State for Agriculture, Noel Grealish, who says this reaffirms the fact that the two countries have an awful lot in common - especially in relation to agriculture.

The deal signed by Grealish and NZ's agriculture minister Todd McClay involves extending and enhancing the present successful joint venture, which saw $34.5 million set aside to tackle agricultural greenhouse gas emissions without reducing production.

McClay says the new partnership arrangement will see scientists from both nations continue to develop vital research to support the development of tools to give farmers options to deal with GHG emissions. As part of the deal, MPI and the Irish Ministry of Agriculture will identify further projects to progress.

While in NZ, Noel Grealish visited several of the 11 projects underway and says they have helped accelerate understanding of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

"Agriculture is at the heart of the Irish and New Zealand economies, and we share the common goal of lowering emissions in pasture-based farming, while supporting farmers to produce more," he says.

Grealish says while in NZ, he and a senior Irish science official, Dr Karl Walsh, who was travelling with him, visited a number of farms, research institutes and Massey and Lincoln Universities. Dr Walsh also had talks with DairyNZ.

"When I go overseas, I keep getting asked 'what are you doing about climate change?' People point to the severe weather events they are now experiencing and blame this on climate change and want to see food producing countries reducing their greenhouse gas emissions," he says.

Noel Grealish says both countries have great science programmes and great scientists.

Special Day

Noel Grealish, from Galway in the west of Ireland, wanted to be in NZ for St Patrick's Day. Each year, Ireland sends its politicians to all parts of the world to help celebrate this special day with Irish people in individual countries.

"I think I got the jewel in the crown by being sent to NZ. Our two nations have so much in the common and the Irish diaspora is strong in NZ with one in every six people claiming Irish heritage. We have strong sporting links as well with Irishman Dave Gallagher being the first All Black captain," he says.

Butcher joins the EPA from Greater Wellington Regional Council, where she has been Group Manager of the Environment Group, her second tenure with Greater Wellington.

Previously, she was Deputy Director-General, Partnerships and Engagement, at the Department of Conservation.

Announcing the appointment, EPA Board Chair Barry O’Neil says Lian Butcher is an accomplished and experienced leader who brings a proven ability to lead complex organisations and work collaboratively with agencies and stakeholders to achieve results.

"Lian has led major programmes of change and has a strong track record in building high-performing organisational cultures in the public sector," he says.

"The EPA continues to evolve in its role as an environmental regulator.

"We are focused on innovation and strengthening our engagement with stakeholders. Lian is well placed, given her experience and leadership approach, to lead the organisation through this next phase," says O'Neil.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Ms Butcher holds a Master of Science in Fisheries and Shellfish Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of North Wales.

She began her career with the Environment Agency in Wales in 2001, working on the European Union’s Habitats Directive, before moving to New Zealand in 2010 to join the Ministry for the Environment.

Butcher will join the EPA in June to support a transition into the Chief Executive role, formally commencing on 1 July 2026.

She succeeds Dr Allan Freeth, who concludes nearly 11 years of service with the EPA in June.

O'Neil says the EPA Board acknowledges Dr Freeth’s significant contribution to public service in New Zealand and his leadership of the EPA over this time.

That's the response from Michael Franks, chief executive of one of the country's largest kiwifruit packhouse and orchard management companies, to the present Middle East crisis, which is driving up fuel prices and creating uncertainty.

He says the immediate issue for Seeka is the cost of diesel for their numerous transport operators who get bins of fruit from the orchards to the packhouses and export produce from the packhouses to the wharf.

Franks says they have applied a fuel adjustment factor (FAF) which means that every week Seeka adjusts the price it pays truckies according to the fluctuations of the price of diesel.

"If we didn't pay them for the extra cost of fuel for handling our fruit, they would not be able to carry on and would run out of money," he told Rural News.

"So, the more sensible and more mature way is to put the FAF in place; the first week it was 6% more and the second week it was 15%. We have a rate that we pay them per bin based on the distance they transport our fruit and, of course, the growers will have to pay, but at least we will get our fruit to market," he says.

Franks says grower returns will suffer nominally, but notes that fuel is only one component of the total transport cost. He says the ships are still sailing, bu there is uncertainty, and it is too early to say what effect the rising costs of fuel will have in markets.

"For example, what will it do to demand and consumer trends and will the people who supported us in the past continue to do so?" he says.

More Than Just Fuel

The issue that occurred during the Covid crisis was the problem of disruption and shortage of containers, but Michael Franks points out that not a lot of container ships go through the Straits of Hormuz.

He says the Middle East is mainly a point of destination, not a point of transit, and so he's not too nervous. But what concerns him is, if and when the war stops, and if and when the fuel starts moving again, how long it will take for the refineries to get back up and running. Franks says there could be some impact in July, August or September.

"As I understand it, this is not just as simple as you go somewhere else and get your crude around the world is quite different and not every refinery can take every type of crude. Our fortunes are what is happening in Korea and Singapore, in terms of where we get our fuel from," he says.

Finally, Franks says the issue goes beyond fuel with supplies of fertiliser coming from the western Sahara Desert. And he adds that the whole petrochemical issue includes the production of plastics used for packaging in the kiwifruit sector.

In a joint statement with Greenpeace, Fonterra accepts that labels on Anchor Butter with the two phrases '100% New Zealand' and 'Grass Fed' in combination with each other were likely to mislead some New Zealand consumers, particularly those unaware of the nature of the feeds that are provided to dairy cows.

Fonterra also accepted that the labelling was in breach of s9 of the Fair Trading ACT 1986.

The Anchor brand is part of the $4.2 billion sale to Lactalis. However, Fonterra will continue to own the Anchor brand in Greater China. The sale was completed last week. Fonterra farmer shareholders and unitholders will receive a $2/share dividend from the sale, amounting to $3.2b. The payment will be made on April 14.

The civil proceeding concerns claims by Greenpeace that a label on Anchor butter sold in New Zealand supermarkets between December 2023 and April 2025 was misleading and in breach of the Fair Trading Act 1986 because the diet of cows whose milk was used to make the butter included non-grass feed including palm kernel expeller (PKE).

Fonterra has removed the label from its Anchor butter packaging and has undertaken not to use the label on its packaging in the future.

In a separate statement, Fonterra says that it stands by its Grass Fed claims.

However, it recognises that the combined use of the two phrases would have been likely to mislead some consumers and has accepted this in the settlement with Greenpeace, the details of which are confidential.

Fonterra says its cows are 96% grass fed and Fonterra's Grass and Pasture Fed Standard has been independently verified as meeting the requirements of the New Zealand Dairy Grass-Fed Administrative Standard. Grass is defined to include grass, grass silage, hay and forage crops (including legumes and brassicas).

An ambitious 15-year plan which includes another pavilion has been unveiled by NZ Fieldays Society chief executive Richard Lindroos.

The plan includes upgrades to water, energy, buildings and footprint (roading, parking and access) at the 114ha Mystery Creek property.

A major upgrade to the site's water infrastructure is underway. The $3.2m project, which is partly funded through a $1.35m government loan, includes replacing the existing reticulated water network and installing a 600,000-litre water tank.

Lindroos told journalists that a fit-for-purpose venue is needed to host the Southern Hemisphere's largest agribusiness show and other events.

"And I've been hell-bent, and I don't apologise for that, I'm making that message very clear - we need to improve our assets and what we offer people who hire Mystery Creek venue," he says.

Lindroos says his "four-pronged attack" is spread over 15 years because it must be managed. "Otherwise, we wouldn't host events, we'd be just a construction site."

Lindroos made the case for why they need central government support to get the upgrades done.

"We're a society that is a private venue," he says.

"There are only two private venues in New Zealand of scale, Spark Arena and Mystery Creek - the rest of them are funded by the ratepayer. We're not. So, we have been investing in our site as a society for 58 years, paying our way.

"We will continue to do that, but with some government assistance we can fast-track that and future-proof us, because we're very ambitious of where we want to head to."

On buildings, Lindroos points out that some of the buildings on site have "probably have served their purpose".

The Society recently demolished ("retired" is the word the Society uses) one of its oldest buildings and will use the space as a village green area at this year's National Fieldays.

Lindroos believes that to have a fit-for-purpose venue where multiple events can be held at the same time, they will need another pavilion, estimated to cost $45 million.

He says they would require government assistance to build a new pavilion.

On footprint, Lindroos says this will be improving entry and access ways into site, landscaping and car parking.

Lindroos believes upgrades would allow more large-scale events to come to NZ.

"Right now, they don't come because we don't have the facilities to offer them. There are not many venues that can host mega large-scale events.

"So, that's part of my plan with government, for them and us to identify these mega events and bring them here."