Dairy Women’s Network members have until the end of January to apply for a new $50,000 scholarship fund launched to develop their leadership skills.

Manufacturers are already showing interest in the arable industry’s new trademark to make it easier for consumers to buy local grain products.

Farmlands has opened its new Hastings store, part of what it says is the co-op’s ongoing strategy to invest in the region and a major milestone in its 63-year history in Hastings.

Vital trade paperwork giving our plant and timber exports access to overseas markets is about to get much more expensive, and the only unknown at this stage is if the hit will be short and sharp, or slow and gradual.

Seed and Grain New Zealand (SGNZ) and the Australian Seed Federation (ASF) have successfully co-hosted the inaugural trans-Tasman Seed Business 2025 conference in Christchurch, bringing together the seed industries of both countries for four days of events.

Bakers, breakfast cereal makers and plant-based milk manufacturers are already eyeing up the arable industry’s new home-grown logo to help consumers choose products made from local grain.

New Zealand’s Plant Variety Rights (PVR) scheme, which protects the intellectual property behind dozens of species driving our $57 billion primary sector, costs more than twice as much to run as it earns in fees from plant breeders.

Green kiwifruit is the first fresh fruit ever to receive an authorised health claim from the European Commission, marking a breakthrough for Zespri and the wider fresh produce industry.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients will stop making super single phosphate at Mt Maunganui later this year, with a net loss of 60 jobs.

Biotech innovator Keraplast is making bold strides into the global medtech sector, with a multi-million dollar investment in a state-of-the-art clean room manufacturing facility nearing completion at its Christchurch site.

New Zealand’s three national road transport associations have joined forces to launch a united body specifically for the movement of farm animals.

Quantifying New Zealand’s grass-fed red meat and dairy products will help them cut through the competition in premium overseas markets, the government says.

A new study shows New Zealand’s native forests are absorbing more carbon dioxide than previously thought, particularly in the South Island.

In the face of increasing global trading uncertainty, the NZ Cargo Owners Council argues the best mitigation is to ensure the country has the most efficient supply chain possible.

“Global shocks to the supply chain will keep occurring,” says Council Chair Mike Knowles. “Because of our distance to and from international markets, we are already coming from behind.

One of New Zealand’s largest lingerie designers is expanding its virtual bra fitting model to remedy poor access to specialised advice faced by rural women on both sides of the Tasman.

Experts say wearing a correctly fitted bra is essential for maintaining good posture and preventing back and shoulder pain, particularly for those in active work roles.

The Government has two options on the table for consultation – regulation, or continuation of voluntary schemes.

Included in its definition of farm plastic waste are plastic bale wrap; silage sheet; small plastic bags like those used for seed, feed, and supplements; bulk woven polypropylene bags used for inputs such as fertiliser, minerals and feed; and ag chemicals sold in plastic containers and drums of 1000 litres or less.

“We are ecstatic about this government policy. It’s this type of work that could really shift the dial for the entire NZ wool industry.”

From July 1, new procurement requirements will see construction of Government-owned buildings that cost $9 million and more, and refurbishments of $100,000 and more, using woollen fibre.

“These are big projects, big budgets, and lots of homegrown NZ wool being used instead of harmful, toxic, micro-plastic emitting synthetics,” Biggs says.

Dr Scott Champion has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Foundation for Arable Research, effective 1 July.

FAR board chair Steven Bierema says his skills are well matched to the developing needs of New Zealand’s arable industry and its growers.

Canterbury could get a new food and fibre hub if a potential international partnership goes ahead.

Vital agricultural research is at risk due to flaws in the current funding model, prompting Beef + Lamb New Zealand and partner organisations to raise concerns with Minister Shane Reti.