Stories by Alexa Cook
News
Forecast for primary sector exports falls $265m
MPI's forecast for primary sector exports has fallen by $265 million, partly driven by the weakening of global dairy markets.
Proposed Otorohanga dairy plant meets local resistance
Otorohanga District Council are against resource consent being granted for a $230 million dairy factory which locals are worried will threaten wildlife.
Milk prices could drop more
Another drop in milk prices could be on the cards for farmers this season, says a dairy analyst.
Landcorp launches safety programme after deaths
State farmer Landcorp has launched a health and safety programme to try and reduce the high number of deaths and accidents in the sector.
Farming confidence plummets - survey
Rural confidence has plummeted from its record highs, driven by farmers' political concerns over the change of government and commodity market falls.
MPI hopeful pea weevil eradicated in Wairarapa
The Ministry for Primary Industries is confident that no pea weevils will be found in the Wairarapa this season and is hopeful that the pest has been eradicated.
Record number of lambs born this spring
A record number of lambs have been born this year.
Rainfall shortage 'dramatic'
Farmers are keeping a close eye on the rain radar, as soil moisture levels plummet.
Foreign buyer changes cause debate over land prices
The governent's tightening of overseas investment in NZ farm land is causing some debate over whether or not it will lower land prices.
Lucky escape for Christmas cherries
Another heavy downpour before Christmas could be disastrous for Central Otago's cherry crop, a fruit grower says.
Cows producing more milk than ever before
The average cow is producing more litres of milk than ever before according to Dairy NZ
Wool industry worried app ewe-sers will change sales
A new app for the Australian wool industry is creating tension among wool brokers.
Take alternative protein products seriously, analyst warns
The meat industry should not be complacent about the threat of alternative protein food products, a report warns.
Farmers nervous as milk prices slide
Dairy farmers are disappointed and nervous following the latest fall in global prices, after hoping the market would improve.
Farmers anxious disease still not contained
Farmers are back on high alert over the cattle disease outbreak after more farms were confirmed to be infected.
New Zealand wool used to create yoga mats
Changing wool trends give rise to eco-friendly yoga mats
Farmers urged to act to reduce greenhouse gases
New Zealand farmers should act now to start reducing greenhouse gases instead of waiting for advice from the government, says an agribusiness consultant.
New agriculture minister takes tough stance on cattle disease
New Minister for Agriculture is determined to find out how the cattle disease mycoplasma bovis got in to New Zealand.
Cattle disease may be more widespread - Van Leeuwen
The dairy farmer at the centre of the mycoplasma bovis outbreak is worried it could be more widespread than the seven farms confirmed as infected.
'Suspicious' test from property next to infected farm
Two new properties in South Canterbury are in lock down because of the cattle disease mycoplasma bovis.
MPI considering Canterbury rabbit virus application
Canterbury Regional Council's application for a new strain of rabbit virus is now with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Calls for a national standard for organics
Organic industry leaders from the US are pushing for New Zealand to develop a national standard for organics so that the sector can cash in on the thriving market.
Apple growers 'will be given assistance'
A bad batch of pesticide spray that ruined $9 million worth of apple crops contained a fungicide not intended for apples, testing has confirmed.
'Accept where we're weak' - farming industry group
Beef and Lamb New Zealand is defending the farming sector, after a rural economist said it was not addressing its challenges.
Sheep measles incidence falling
Sheep measles rates are continuing to fall with another drop the detection rate in lambs processed this season.