News & stories

Ngāi Tahu joins with science partners

26 October 2022

Ngāi Tahu Farming have signed agreements with research organisations, including AgResearch and Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, to provide data and insights for NZ's largest ever regenerative farming trial.

New robotics option for horticulturalists

25 October 2022

A New Zealand-made robot that can help with orchard jobs, such as spraying and pruning, unveiled by Tauranga-based Robotics Plus at a conference dedicated to agricultural robotics in the United States.

5G decision to boost rural connectivity

25 October 2022

Rural cell phone users likely to be among the biggest winners from the decision to allocate rather than auction new 5G mobile spectrum, with many communities likely to access technology far earlier than anticipated.

Helping farmers breed better cows

18 October 2022

With New Zealand said to have passed 'peak cow', breeding better cows has been doing a lot to boost productivity, with LIC seeing increased genetic quality in our dairy herd as the vital pathway to future successes.

Workforce funds for aquaculture industry

5 October 2022

Funding boost aims to accelerate aquaculture strategic workforce plan to help the sector reach its goal of growing its annual sales to $3 billion by 2035 as part of the NZ government's Aquaculture Strategy.

New wine research centre 'a huge asset'

29 September 2022

A $3.79m viticulture facility aims to help the NZ wine industry stay ahead of global trends and foster research in a 'Future Vineyard' by exploring automation and robotics, as well as climate resilience.

Arable farmer trials sustainable methods

16 September 2022

South Canterbury farmer Andrew Darling is aiming to phase out nitrogen use over the next 18 months by participating in a new research project led by the Foundation for Arable Research looking at new sustainable practices.

Air New Zealand's first shipment of sustainable aviation fuel set to arrive

15 September 2022

Air New Zealand's first shipment of sustainable aviation fuel has only just arrived, but already the airline is sounding out opportunities for locally produced biofuels using woody biomass collected from forestry waste. 

Kinleith Mill set for bioproducts study

8 September 2022

Tokoroa site to host $2 million joint feasibility study aiming to harness the valuable by-products of wood fibre by exploring the development of new ranges of sustainable wood products, hydrogen and biofuels.

Māori and Pasifika diabetes sufferers face new hope in battle against the killer disease

7 September 2022

Research into alternative uses for whey permeate - a by-product from making cheese - has led to a company setting its sights on developing a remedy for people with type 2 diabetes.

First year of research into breeding low methane-emitting cows shows promise

28 August 2022

Research run by artificial breeding companies LIC and CRV has confirmed bulls' genetics play a role in how much methane they emit, highlighting the potential for dairy farmers to breed lower methane-emitting cows in future.

Major regenerative farming study starts

5 August 2022

Ngāi Tahu and the Government have joined forces on a new project aiming to validate the science of regenerative farming, with a seven-year study comparing environmental impacts of side-by-side dairy farms.

Investment to drive strong wool exports

27 June 2022

Wool Impact is a three-year collaboration between the Government and the sheep sector to grow wool export revenues by making it a  compelling, affordable alternative to synthetics.

Potential gold mine in 'black diamonds'

22 June 2022

Ohiwa Black Diamond, a Bay of Plenty truffles company,  is sharing the secrets of the industry in a bid to get landowners growing this lucrative product on unproductive land across the country.

Mentoring boosts skills of trainees

09 June 2022

To support trainees in becoming skilled agricultural machinery operators, Rural Contractors NZ and MPI have launched a programme to recognise contractors who excel in the HanzonJobs initiative.

Smashing the glass ceiling on farms

12 May 2022

On the back of long hours, hard work and studying, 3 Taupō women are proving their doubters wrong as they prepare for their first season as managers of Pāmu dairy farms just outside of Taupō.

Higher values from plantation forests

6 May 2022

This $25.5m, 7-year programme led by Forest Growers Research will revolutionise silviculture via smart technology – bringing about higher skilled and high-wage jobs that support a low-emissions economy.

Wanted: farmers to join seaweed trial

29 April 2022

Fonterra's partnership with Sea Forest – to see if Asparagopsis seaweed as a supplement feed for dairy cows can reduce greenhouse gas emissions – has opened up to include farmers in this exciting trial.

$25 million helping hand for farmers

14 April 2022

We’re backing farmers and growers to adapt, innovate and grow their food and fibre exports with a comprehensive package to strengthen training and employment within the rural advisory sector.

Saved: water to feed 500,000 people

21 March 2022

Fonterra, in close partnership with Ecolab’s water management division, saved 190 million litres of water in their manufacturing processes across Australia and New Zealand.

Aligning land use and Māori culture

16 March 2022

Māori farmers are under pressure to use ancestral land in ways consistent with communal values, and have to balance those goals against the need to cut greenhouse gases on farms, two researchers say.