Although separated by the Cook Strait, John Deere Service Technicians Marcus Vine and Liam Gee both grew up pulling things apart and putting them back together, a hands-on curiosity that set them on a path to similar careers.

DairyNZ’s Plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

Safety is something most of us take for granted in our day-to-day work. Yet when it comes to the hazardous substances (chemicals) that keep modern farming and contracting moving, safety doesn’t just happen by chance.

Agribusiness and Environmental consultant Erica van Reenen has been named the FarmIQ Systems Rural Professional of the Year for 2025, while Isabel Schmahl, Agri-Manager with Ravensdown, has taken out the title of FarmIQ Systems Emerging Rural Professional of the Year.

Shirley-Ann and Rick Mannering run a productive sheep, beef and dairy operation just south of Auckland. But alongside that, they’re leading a quiet ecological revolution with traps, tech and a full-time farm ranger.

Spring on New Zealand’s hill country farms is always a balancing act. It is the time of year when demand for feed surges, with lambing and calving in full swing, yet grass growth struggles to keep pace under cool soil temperatures.

When a global dairy cooperative with more than 14,000 farmer members makes a major investment in Asia, it’s worth paying attention in New Zealand.

Most consumers are unaware that when they buy bread from the supermarket it is more likely to be made from imported, rather than domestically-grown milling wheat. This is despite New Zealand arable growers producing some of the world’s best quality grain.

Rural contractors around the country will be celebrating the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa announced yesterday, says their national President.

The first half of 2025 began strongly for New Zealand’s red meat industry, with export revenues up by 28 percent in the first quarter year‑on‑year despite lower volumes, as demand recovered notably in China. Tight global supply has also helped keep prices elevated.

UPL NZ says having man’s best friend on slug patrol isn’t a gimmick. It’s a reality of farming and contracting and a reflection of their confidence in their Ironmax Pro product.

Despite rising global trade tensions and looming tariff changes, New Zealand exporters remain optimistic and resilient.

For rural contractors, bringing in a young, fresh-faced driver is always a mix of excitement and challenge. They arrive with energy and enthusiasm, keen to get behind the wheel and into the work. But proving their progress and keeping accurate training records can be a job in itself.

Contractors are not your average rural fuel user, so they’re a specialist customer group for Fern Energy, a leading provider of fuel solutions for New Zealand’s rural sector.

This June, Richard Houston - Managing Director of Hanzon Jobs Ltd, packed his boots and headed to the UK to get a first-hand look at what the next wave of Kiwi-bound operators might look like. The goal was simple: find switched-on, practical people with the right attitude and ideally, some horsepower under their belt. But as always, it’s a mixed bag.

Rural contractors were relieved and encouraged by key presentations from WorkSafe at the four 2025 RCNZ roadshows.

A decision by Kainga Ora to award a multimillion-dollar contract for the supply of wool carpet in its new build and renovated homes is being hailed as a breakthrough for NZ’s natural fibre sector by industry experts.

CNH is continuing to reinforce its position in the New Zealand agricultural machinery market, appointing John Gilbert to the new role of Business Manager for its New Zealand operations.

Maize and sweetcorn pest fall armyworm has defied initial assessments regarding its ability to survive over winter in some parts of New Zealand.

While we live in paradise, there’s a darker side to New Zealand’s rural communities. They’re the backbone of our economy, yet the mental health of farmers and agribusiness workers is under strain like never before.