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Farm confidence has fallen since the start of the year, with debt, interest rates, and banks causing the greatest concern to Kiwi farmers.

Providing standout electrical services across the residential, commercial, rural, and dairy sectors continues to be the main driver for Level Electrical Ashburton, just as it was when Mid Canterbury local Les Christie first established the business in 1980.

Despite the unique challenges farming in the “sensitive lakes” area of the Ashburton high country brings, Castle Ridge Station owners Paul and Kerry Harmer remain passionate about the future and protecting their environment so that the next generation can continue their legacy.

In New Zealand’s dynamic farming landscape, staying ahead means embracing innovative solutions, especially when it comes to perennial ryegrass.

Home-grown pasture is your best friend when times are good. But when budgets are stretched, it truly comes into its own as a high value, high return asset.

Summer forage crops are a useful feed source when pasture quality is poor and thanks to their high-quality feed profile, they deliver good results when used for finishing stock or for milk production.

Pasture renewal is a crucial practice for improving the productivity and profitability of a farm. By replacing underperforming pastures with new, high-yielding varieties, farmers can significantly enhance their pasture's performance.

The next three months is very important in getting it right with your agri-chemical applications to maximise your quality and yield in these crops. These crops are all at different growth stages or have yet to be planted so timing of agri-chemical applications is based on what growth stage the crop is at as well as what weed, and disease pressure is happening now and in the future.

This year the winter period has been a lot colder, and we have seen a lot more frosts this year compared to the last few years. It also has been a lot drier as well. This has impacted on the growth of both grass and arable crops.

Lithium batteries are becoming a more common sight on farms these days and are used in numerous devices around the home. While they are now a part of modern life the batteries can create a fire risk, particularly if they are damaged.