In the gullies of Clinton in South Otago, the Campbells have developed an innovative new approach to native planting and maintenance that’s more affordable, has a higher success rate and could be scalable nationally. Words & Photos Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is urging a “fundamental rethink” of New Zealand’s forestry policy and its role in emissions reduction in his latest report Alt F Reset which looks at the feasibility of large-scale native afforestation. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

A major milestone has been achieved after four decades of managing TB at Molesworth Station, marking one of New Zealand’s most determined and complex biosecurity challenges. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Kara Tait.

The newly formed Aotearoa New Zealand Catchment Communities aims to give a collective voice to catchment groups across the country, with a goal of providing security of funding for the future, and sharing the good news stories of farmer stewardship of the land. Words Rebecca Greaves.

The Turnwald family in Waikato have invested in composting barns and a feedpad to lift feed efficiency by reducing feed waste and ultimately helping cows hold condition year-round. Words Sheryl Haitana.

A Taranaki farmer has embraced all of MSD Animal Health’s SenseHub Dairy Technologies to allow his high-producing cows to continue being milked beyond a typical dry-off date based on accurate, real-time information from wearables, sensors and drafting tools. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Brad Hanson.

Nobody tries to cut a sheep, but when we do, what’s best practice? Vet Sara Sutherland says it’s not as simple as saying ‘slow down’ but highlights best practice for dealing with shearing wounds.

The wool industry continues to reckon with footage released by animal rights group PETA late last year that captured several New Zealand shearing sheds in serious breach of animal welfare standards – workers standing on sheep’s necks, dragging animals across floors, and stitching wounds without pain relief. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp

Jo Hay farms near Herbert in North Otago on 260ha plus a lease of 410ha at Moeraki with husband Ross and children Charlie, Phoebe and Archie. She is also an elected director of North Otago Irrigation Company Ltd.

George Moss is a Waikato dairy farmer at Tokoroa. He examines the issue of ageing infrastructure through the lens of an ageing population of farm owners who must devise a successful succession plan.

Steven Bolt is a farmer from Corrigin, in the Central Wheatbelt of Western Australia. He runs a mixed farming enterprise of merino sheep stud and cropping. He is the President of the Western Australian Stud Merino Breeders’ Association. In addition, he sits on the board of the Live Export Advisory Group.

Brent Fisher is a third-generation farmer based outside of Christchurch at Motukarara (1,000-acre hill block rising to 350m) and Greenpark (1,275 acres 2m above sea level). He farms with his wife Anna and children and operates the Silverstream Charolais and Hereford stud.

How can sheep and beef farmers see forestry as more than a binary choice between farming and full conversion to pine plantations? New Zealand Institute of Forestry registered Forestry Consultant Peter Handford showcases the business case for sheep and beef operations to integrate forestry to support overall farm management and profitability. Words Peter Handford, Groundtruth.

As the demand for price hedging to manage volatility grows, Fonterra has expanded its Price Risk Management services to offer farmers greater flexibility in managing milk price volatility. Words Sheryl Haitana.

The only constant in life is change. When it comes to investing off farm it is important for your asset allocation to balance risk and reward, income and growth, and short-term needs with long-term goals. Is your off-farm investment strategy current? Words Angus Marks, Andrew Austin and Harriet Jones, Wealth Management Advisors, JBWere

How recent policy went too far and ended up starving New Zealand agriculture of capital which contributed to the 2023–2024 recession. Words Forbes Elworthy.

As a Big Buddy, Mark Withers is inspiring the next generation of farmers after a powerful bond was established through the programme with Kobi – proving that positive male role models can truly change young boys’ lives. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Spring can be a mixed bag of weather but ideal for preparation to reset, rethink, and retool your irrigation strategy. Words Kathryn Healy.

Five Fijian ratus (chiefs) recently attended a special ceremony in Matapihi to celebrate the Ngāi Tukairangi Trust relationship with their villages’ Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers. Words Carly Gibbs, Photos John Cowpland.

As new wearable technologies for animals have surged in popularity, specific advice on the use of them within the dairy sector are to be included in an imminent review of the Animal Welfare Code: Dairy Cattle.
Words Tony Leggett.