Sally Murphy

President Wayne Langford was hopeful that, if elected, Labour would better acknowledge the contribution farmers make to the country.

The government has proposed new options to improve pig and sheep traceability so it can better respond to disease outbreaks.

While many farmers are riding a wave of strong farm-gate prices, profits are only trickling into regional economies.

New road rules for agricultural machinery are nowhere to be seen, and in the meantime contractors are still being stung with fines.

Farms along the banks of the Waipā River are most affected, an Ōtorohanga farmer says.

Some potato growers are reporting yields could be down 20 percent this winter.

A clearer picture of the level of damage is starting to emerge after huge downpours hit the region last month.

ACT campaigned during the last election to reinstate live exports by sea and Cabinet has been working on the legislation ever since.

A better crop of Central Otago cherries should result in higher profits for growers this season.

Due to the flooded market, prices are back by about 20 percent which means some farmers will not make a profit this season.

The minister in charge of wool says it's frustrating government departments aren't listening.

Initial funding has been granted to develop a coffee-like drink is expected to hit shelves within two years.

The native beetle chews through growing fruitlets leaving apples unsuitable for harvesting and eating.

Rural groups are raising the alarm over the review and cancellation of school bus routes.

The Environmental Protection Authority issued new rules for using the herbicide in September.

Farmers are being told they need to have open and honest conversations with their family about the issue of succession.

A spate of accidents in recent weeks is a wake up call for pilots in the industry, the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association says.

A Waikato farming company, its director and manager have been fined for unlawfully discharging dairy effluent.

That current ship that carries supplies and livestock is nearing the end of its life and spending long periods out of action.

"It could really be a game changer for us."

The Ministry for Primary Industries is working to mitigate the impact of any avian influenza outbreak brought to the country by migrating birds.

A quarter of herds in the small West Coast farming community of Hari Hari had been infected.

MPI officials secured a deal with China on deer velvet imports just as the new velvet season gets underway.

A hemp company says it's dumping tonnes of a by-product that could be used as animal feed.

Imports of tomatoes from most Australian states have been suspended after Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus was found there.