Bay of Plenty dairy farmer and kiwifruit orchard owner David Jensen has experienced the ups and downs of both industries and shares some insights for those farmers who are thinking about investing in horticulture. Words David Jensen.

Canterbury is known for going it big when it comes to dairy – the same now looks true for apples. Words Anne lee.

Canterbury and Otago are on the radar for horticulture companies with access to water and flat land along with the right climate and soil characteristics making the regions attractive. Word Anne lee.

Solar farming is a fast-growing part of New Zealand’s energy sector and could be an opportunity for farmers to diversify their income. A Massey University presentation at AgInnovation explored the possibilities for solar farming to co-exist with sheep grazing, providing two sources of income per unit of land area, and crunched the numbers on the returns. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Meridian might not be farmers, but they’re experts in powering them and know moving day is a stressful time.

The world is undergoing a “tectonic shift” in the key factors influencing economies with the current tariff war a stark example, independent economist Cameron Bagrie says.

Plantings on under-utilised or low-productivity areas can provide income, create value and improve environmental outcomes. Words Anne Lee.

Despite polarising views, the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is set to remain a cornerstone of New Zealand’s climate strategy for the foreseeable future. Words Sam Mander.

There can be a power imbalance when a farm owner and potential contract milker or sharemilker sit down at a table to negotiate their contract, still both parties will benefit more from a fair negotiation. Words Sheryl Haitana.

AI – not Artificial Insemination … the new buzz is Artificial Intelligence. Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop has adopted the technology in his farming business. Words Sheryl Haitana.

Calculating Feed Conversion Efficiency is a key metric for understanding overall farm efficiency as it reflects how efficiently feed is converted into milksolids, directly influencing productivity, profitability and emissions. Words Sheryl Haitana.

Having daily information on individual cow health has enabled Taranaki dairy farmers Sarah and Wayne Neilson to turn on the engine of their genetically capable cows and get them back in calf more easily. Words Sheryl Haitana.

The New Zealand dairy industry has made great progress but still has a fair way to go to get farmers to stop using antibiotics prophylactically and instead use them selectively for a cow with a proven and identified infection, veterinarian and DairySmart Chief Executive Ben Davidson says. Words Sheryl Haitana.

There are three guiding mantras at Beaumaris Dairies in Canterbury – pride, cash and simplification. Words & photos Anne Lee.

Braden Coates and Hayley Ireland have always strived for excellence in everything that they do and last season they achieved a tick of excellence from their milk processor Miraka earning a 20c/kg MS premium. It’s a nice bit of cream on top for their 2023/24 season payout, but the young couple have overcome a lot more than most to rise to the top. Words Sheryl Haitana, Photos Emma McCarthy.

Vigilant analysis, strategic decisions and sacrifices are behind the success of Waikato dairy farmers Dan and Gina Duncan. Words Sheryl Haitana.

Trying to achieve a successful succession story can be difficult for the younger generation who may feel they have no control over the decisions being made.

Another pasture species could provide valuable reductions in nitrogen loss with calls for more research into the potential of tetraploid hybrid ryegrass. Words Anne Lee.

As the days get a little duller and the nights a little longer, this recipe is what you need to bring a little colour back into the kitchen and the kids’ lunch boxes. I know the kids will want to get involved with this easy bake. Let them choose the colour of the jelly and see what they create!