September 2025
A huge surge in Dairy Conversions is now underway across New Zealand. This movement is a reaction from farmers to unprecedented milk prices and the relaxation of national environmental regulations. Canterbury leads this charge, with Waikato closely trailing and Manawatu not far behind. This transition entails significant strategic, financial, and operational adjustments, such as land preparation, the installation of infrastructure (including milking sheds, wintering barns, and laneways), and the procurement of dairy stock, which is boosting revenue in the provinces.
When you move assets into the Trust, they may become protected against creditors, WINZ and other parties. But remember, if the documentation isn’t correct and if the transfer documents don’t contain those special Hawkins and entrenchment clauses we so often talk about, asset protection will indeed be threatened.
Often a family will acquire assets and will want to ensure future generations.
Managing down cows is a vital aspect of dairy farming that demands immediate attention and decisive action. When a cow is unable to stand, it’s essential to respond swiftly to prevent complications and safeguard the well-being of the animal. Diagnosing the underlying cause of the cow’s condition—whether it’s a metabolic disorder, physical injury, or infectious disease—should happen without delay. Once you’ve identified the issue, choosing the right treatment is crucial for restoring your valuable livestock to optimal health. Your ability to act confidently in these situations ensures the success of your farming operation.
Colliers are proud to present this quality vineyard and wine business located in the heart of Central Otago, New Zealand.
Boasting a renowned brand with both national and international distribution, this offering includes an award-winning pedigree along with a Cellar Door located on a main road and an online platform for direct-to-consumer sales.
With 56.4170 hectares of freehold land (2 titles) of which 26 hectares in vines, there’s room to expand with an additional 9 hectares (approximately) of plantable land.
Farm Ute leasing serves as a valuable financial tool that empowers farms and businesses, particularly those in the agricultural sector, to acquire essential farm vehicles without the substantial upfront costs often associated with outright purchases.
Through this arrangement, the lease company retains ownership of the vehicle while you, as the lessee, pay a predetermined monthly rental fee that allows you to use the vehicle as needed.
Every year, around 5000 people leave the dairy sector, according to DairyNZ research. While turnover rates are similar across the primary industries, dairy sits higher than some of New Zealand’s top-performing sectors. Staff turnover comes at a cost, not just in dollars but also in time, productivity and team culture. Once recruitment, training, lost time and reduced productivity are considered, replacing a team member can cost anywhere from 30% to more than 100% of their salary.
Rural contractors around the country will be celebrating the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa announced yesterday, says their national President. Clinton Carroll says Rural Contractors NZ has been advocating for years for a policy such as Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has now unveiled. The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa is a three-year visa for highly experienced seasonal workers. It enables them to return to New Zealand for subsequent seasons on the same visa if they spend 3 months out of every 12 offshore.
Are you interested in taking advantage of a complimentary farm visit from a highly knowledgeable solar power expert to discuss the various options available to you? Our team of solar installers boasts extensive experience in the successful installation of solar power systems tailored specifically for farms and lifestyle blocks.
To get started, simply fill out the form provided, and our local solar installer will reach out to you promptly with a phone call to explore your unique options in detail.
This is a great opportunity to learn how solar energy can benefit your agricultural operations or rural living, and we look forward to assisting you in making an informed decision that aligns with your needs and goals.
He speaks about how this affected both their business and wellbeing, and how it led to him getting involved in Farmstrong in New Zealand. Sam gives some interesting and useful advice on the wellbeing steps he integrated to manage the high pressure of leading the New Zealand rugby team, managing sport and the farm, and the importance of taking time to appreciate what you have around you.
Nimble and mighty, the RTV520 is expertly crafted to handle the demanding needs of both farms and job sites with unrivaled efficiency and versatility. Designed to maximize productivity while ensuring comfort, this compact yet powerful utility vehicle boasts the ability to accomplish more tasks across more areas, all with effortless ease.
Built to excel in heavy-duty operations, its user-friendly design combines seamless operation with minimal maintenance, making it an indispensable tool for challenging workloads. Equipped with a high-performance 2-cylinder engine, the RTV520 delivers increased horsepower and steadfast reliability, ensuring quiet yet robust power.
The historical introduction of Angus cattle to New Zealand can be traced back to the year 1863, marking the beginning of their journey in this new land. Since the 1960s, there has been a concerted effort to selectively breed these animals to enhance their desirable traits, resulting in Angus cattle that are now taller, longer, and larger when compared to their original Scottish counterparts. This evolution demonstrates the adaptability and versatility of the breed to changing environmental and commercial demands.
The DairyNZ team is continuing to explore the potential of digital technology to support animal wellbeing and the overall health of farm systems. As farms generate more data than ever before, the challenge is figuring out how to use it effectively and unlock its potential. Meanwhile, interest from customers and consumers worldwide is growing, particularly in how their food is produced and the quality of life of the animals involved.
New Zealand’s pasture-based dairy systems are complex and dynamic, with many interacting parts. Focusing too much on one aspect can create risks if it compromises others. Milk processor incentives have increased interest in emissions intensity – the emissions per unit of product, such as per kilogram of milksolids, or fat and protein-corrected milk. The challenge is finding the balance — reducing emissions intensity while still achieving good overall farm performance
Misty morning fog sat low amongst the rugged Taumarunui hills as competitors converged from all over the island, but as the 11 pairs settled into their work, the cloud and mercury began to climb, and the lads were treated to a cracker day.
This event has become a favourite amongst regular competitors, not so much for the near 30-degree temperature it often takes place in, but for the light pumice digging, old-school A&P Show atmosphere, and the supportive environment headed by local NZFC organisers Wayne & Kathy Newdick, who are in their 19th year running this competition.
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited has today announced that the dispute with Bega Cheese Limited in relation to the Bega licences has been resolved. Bega agrees that the structure of the sale to Lactalis of Fonterra’s global Consumer and associated businesses does not constitute a change of control under the Bega licences.