Country-Wide

05/01/2025

Farm employers across the sheep and beef and arable sectors have continued to invest strongly in one of their greatest assets – their staff. But in a competitive market, employers are warned they cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to staff.

Catch the full special report on people in our latest issue of Country-Wide.
- Link in comments

02/01/2025

Melior’s focus is on high-performing, fast-growing deer backed by top-tier genetics. With 2500 breeding hinds and cutting-edge breeding techniques, Tom and Samantha Macfarlane are shaping the future of venison farming. It’s all about performance under pressure.

It’s what’s in their nuts that counts. And the team at Melior is confident their nuts have the goods when it comes to delivering fast growing, robust venison animals.

31/12/2024

It was on a primary school trip to the North Island when Tommi Gregory-Hunt saw a sealed road and traffic lights for the first time. Born on the Chatham Islands and raised on Pitt Island, her childhood, as one of six siblings, was a world of farming, making her own fun, and dirt roads and tracks.

The 30-year-old has been a stock agent in Timaru for rural services firm Hazlett since July, a good stop gap before she, her husband Tim and two-year-old daughter Mikayla head back to the Chatham Islands, where Tommi will continue to pursue a career as a stock agent.

27/12/2024

Time to bring deer back into the fold 🦌🌱 With venison markets recovering and demand growing, Deer Farmers Association chair Mark McCoard is championing a return to deer farming. From sustainable practices to breaking drench resistance cycles, deer can bring fresh opportunities to sheep-beef farms. Deer Industry New Zealand

Buy a single issue of Country-Wide and receive a FREE copy of Deer Country.

Getting deer back inside the many deer-fenced blocks on the country’s sheep-beef farms is a major priority for Taihape deer farmer Mark McCoard. Tony Leggett asks the recently elected chairman of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association how it will happen. Photos Brad Hanson.

24/12/2024

🎄 Meri Kirihimete from the team at Country-Wide! 🎄

Thanks for being part of our journey this year. Whether you're enjoying a pav in the sun, a BBQ feast, or just a well-earned break, we hope your day is full of laughter and love. 💚

Here’s to a Kiwi summer of green paddocks, blue skies, and plenty of good times. See you in 2025! 🌾✨

22/12/2024

🌟 Game-Changer for NZ Strong Wool 🌍
Wool Impact's Chief Executive, Andy Caughey, reveals a major breakthrough: a partnership with Gensler, a leading global architecture and design firm.

💡 What’s the big deal?
Gensler’s global reach (4,000+ staff, 60 offices) will showcase NZ strong wool in flooring, acoustic panels, and upholstery.
Gensler's Product Sustainability Standards (GPS) promote low-carbon, circular products.

🌱 Why it matters:
Demand for sustainable, natural materials is growing.
New connections with global manufacturers will boost farm gate prices.
Certified growers (NZFAP, ZQRX) can unlock premium markets.

📈 The Impact:
This partnership could double demand for NZ strong wool in 5 years, revitalizing the sector and supporting sustainable farming.

Click below to read the full article!

There can only be one way for farm gate prices for strong wool - and it’s up! Wool Impact knows it will be what farmers judge their performance on, so how far away is it? Words Tony Leggett Photos Wool Impact.

20/12/2024

As an increasing number of sheep farmers grapple with triple drench resistance, a group of Wairarapa farmers are meeting on a regular basis to learn about managing parasites without relying on drenches.

Find the full article in Sheep Country:
https://bit.ly/3BeBBmd

19/12/2024

AgResearch Senior Scientist Dr Katherine Tozer has been part of a study into deferred grazing, and discusses how it can fit into your farm system, and what benefits you could see.

New episode out now! Listen online, or via your favourite podcast platform.
https://hubs.la/Q02_SLDF0

18/12/2024

The winners in the 2024 (B+LNZ) Awards were announced at a gala dinner at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton on 10 October.

During the evening, which celebrated the depth of the talent within this country’s red meat industry, the winners of the eight Award categories and B+LNZ Regional Leadership Award were announced.

16/12/2024

Property Brokers General Manager for Rural Conrad Wilkshire discusses the impact of changing regulations around full farm to forestry conversion, and what this means for the rural property market.

New episode out now! Listen online, or via your favourite podcast platform.
https://hubs.ly/Q02_R59l0

14/12/2024

Staff recruitment and your personal or farm brand could be more closely linked than you think.

Rural Directions Recruitment & HR director and owner, Brent Paterson, says brand awareness is key, and potential employees are likely to have done their homework by not only asking around but in the form of an online search these days. Paterson says it is a competitive market and gone are the days of prospective shepherds lining up at the door.

Having a clear brand proposition in the market includes focusing on what you excel at – it could be that you’re talented with dogs or have a strong interest in sheep genetics. People are looking for areas to leverage and excel in.

country-wide.co.nz

12/12/2024

Waikato sheep and beef farmer Bill Garland shares why they decided to try deferred grazing on their farm, and what benefits they’ve seen so far.

You can read more about Bill’s story in the cover story for Country-Wide Summer.

New episode out now! Listen online, or via your favourite podcast platform.

11/12/2024

Body condition scoring is a powerful tool to help sheep farmers increase ewe productivity and profitability through determining the most effective and efficient use of feed resources. Here are some top tips for recording and selecting for body condition.

Words Sandra Taylor

country-wide.co.nz

09/12/2024

🌾 Did you catch the Country Calendar episode featuring the incredible Rosie Dowling last night? 🐑✨

We were blown away by her inspiring story of family, farming, and passion for the land. Earlier this year, we had the privilege of sitting down with Rosie for a deep-dive chat on our podcast—sharing more of her journey and wisdom. 🎙️💛

🎧 Want to hear the full interview? Click here:

https://omny.fm/shows/the-country-wide-podcast/episode-14-resilience-put-into-perspective-by-farm

07/12/2024

The reproductive system uses many trace elements. For example, manganese protects the developing egg within the o***y, zinc helps to produce a healthy uterine lining and selenium is important for protecting the growing embryo. While most farmers have well managed trace element programmes, there are times in the farming calendar when the requirement for trace elements increases, such as pre-tup and pre-lamb.

Introducing MULTIMIN® Copper Free! An injectable source of selenium, zinc and manganese.

Research has shown that ewes treated with MULTIMIN® Copper Free four weeks prior to tupping had reduction in drys and overall improved fertility, compared with untreated ewes.

To learn more, speak with your vet.

ACVM Registration No. A009882

06/12/2024

No farm business would have missed the significant increase in the cost of insurance in the past year.

Tony Leggett investigates what’s behind the increase and the options for reducing the cost in the future. We seek advice from insurance broker, Matt Stent.

country-wide.co.nz

05/12/2024

When testing revealed triple drench resistance, station manager Charles Yule knew he had to consider changes to the property’s management strategy ...

Get your copy of Sheep Country today!
https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/sheep-country-2024/

04/12/2024

North Otago veterinarian Dave Roberston has developed a five-point plan to help farmers control parasites in sheep farm systems...

Find the full article in Sheep Country
https://country-wide.co.nz/shop/sheep-country-2024/