-
1 week ago | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
A couple of years ago, I spoke with Tom O’Sullivan, a farmer and passionate advocate for wool who was then chair of Campaign for Wool. At the time, the mood in the strong wool industry was bleak. Prices had hit rock bottom, synthetic fibres were flooding the market, and for many farmers, shearing costs outweighed the value of the fleece. Tom spoke candidly - about frustration, generational loss, and the heartbreak of watching a once-proud New Zealand export become almost worthless.
-
3 weeks ago | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
The Government’s recent announcement on changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) represents a significant shift in how farmland can be converted to exotic forestry. These changes, set to take effect in October 2025, aim to curb the widespread conversion of productive farmland into exotic plantations while still allowing for sustainable afforestation.
-
1 month ago | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
The role of science in shaping the future of New Zealand’s agricultural sector cannot be overstated, and the Whenua Haumanu programme is at the forefront of this endeavour. As the country’s most comprehensive study into the effects of contemporary and regenerative pastoral practices, this initiative, led by Massey University - brings together universities, Crown Research Institutes, and industry partners to examine the viability of regenerative agriculture in a New Zealand context.
-
2 months ago | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
Regenerative agriculture is gaining interest in New Zealand, and at the forefront of this shift is the Whenua Haumanu Programme. A partnership between Massey University and the Ministry for Primary Industries through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, it is the most comprehensive programme of its kind in the country. This week, two Massey University students, Rukshagni Sutharsan and Varthani Susruthan, provided insight into their research and experiences within the programme.
-
Jan 24, 2025 | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
Rebekah Wood’s journey into agricultural research was not one she had planned. Growing up in the middle of town in Taupō, she had little connection to farming beyond occasional visits to extended family’s farms. Initially, she set her sights on veterinary science at Massey University, but when that path didn’t work out, she turned to agricultural science. What began as an alternative quickly became a passion.
-
Jan 17, 2025 | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
Farming and environmental stewardship are often viewed as opposing forces, but the work of researchers and farmers in New Zealand highlights the harmonious relationship that can exist between these two vital spheres. Danny Donaghy, Deputy Head of School for Agriculture and Environment at Massey University, provides an inspiring example of this partnership through the Whenua Haumanu Program.
-
Nov 1, 2024 | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
The recent insights from Kate Acland, chairperson of Beef+Lamb and a farmer herself, into the Orme & Associates report on land use change highlight the urgency of the issue New Zealand is facing with farmland increasingly being converted into forestry for carbon credits. This shift, as she emphasises, is not merely a statistic but a real and accelerating trend impacting rural communities, food production, and New Zealand’s agricultural legacy.
-
Oct 25, 2024 | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
The Junior Landcare Programme, launched by the Bupa Foundation in collaboration with the New Zealand Landcare Trust, is an inspiring new initiative designed to engage young people in practical environmental projects. Over the next three years, school and youth groups across New Zealand will work on various activities—from native tree planting and wetland restoration to pest control and ecological monitoring.
-
Oct 11, 2024 | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
James Greenacre is a dairy farmer based near the town of Cressy, located about half an hour southwest of Launceston in the central north of Tasmania. His farm is situated in an irrigation area and operates with 100% irrigation. James manages about 1,300 cows on his farm and has recently taken on a second farm where 550 cows are milked.
-
Oct 4, 2024 | 
interest.co.nz | Angus Kebbell |Gareth Vaughan |David Hargreaves
In 2023, Foodstuffs reported a $55 million profit, while Silver Fern Farms, one of New Zealand’s largest meat processors, posted a $22 million loss. The disparity in these figures underscores the challenges facing different sectors of the country's food and fibre industry. Sheep and beef farmers are particularly feeling the strain, with profits this year expected to be significantly lower due to softer lamb and wool prices. This leaves many farmers asking the question: what can be done?
