Special Reports

As more and more farmers adopt wearables, new research aims to assess how they affect reproductive performance. Words Paul Edwards, DairyNZ Senior Scientist.

With wearable technology able to show us more information about rumination habits of our cows, what are we able to find out? Words Ian Lean, MD Scibus and Adjunct Professor, University of Sydney.

With a record milk price in farmers’ sights, the idea of hanging up the clusters and switching off the milking plant in favour of carrying out some other activity on their land seems nonsensical for all but a couple of higher-risk yet high-returning horticultural activities. Words Anne Lee.

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.

When the summer dry dents milk production on the unirrigated river flats, a solar farm on the upper terrace is making good use of the sun’s rays for a Golden Bay family. Words Anne Hardie.

Forecasting your season ahead and picking the right tax payment system may help to avoid that unexpected eye-watering tax bill.
Words Trudi Ballantyne

Pulling in your financial advisers to play the right role depending on your financial skill level will elevate your decision making and business outcomes.
Words Anne lee