Farms, food systems and the rural backbone.
Ngai Tahu Farming has been chosen as the preferred farming operator for Molesworth Station, moving the future of New Zealand's largest farm from a competitive selection process into lease negotiations with the Department of Conservation.
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is visiting India to promote New Zealand wool, creating a sharp political contrast because his NZ First party is publicly attacking the wider trade agreement.
MPI agriculture national response manager Andrew Curtis is urging farmers and growers to prepare early for a potentially strong El Nino, with a windy, dry spring expected in northern and eastern areas and above-normal rainfall possible in the west.
New Zealand red meat exports reached a record $1.6 billion in May, giving sheep and beef farmers a strong market signal after a disrupted production start to the year, with export values 44 percent higher than the same month last year.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has warned that bird flu reaching New Zealand is now a when scenario, not a remote possibility, after cases were reported in Australia.
A Kaharau Angus bull has sold for $220,000 at Gisborne-East Coast Bull Week, setting a new Australasian record and underlining sharp demand for elite genetics.
Farms don't sit on their own. Understanding the food system means following what happens on either side of the farm gate.