Agriculture News & Articles
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Kiwi Food and Fibre Exports Set to Hit Record $62 Billion in 2026
16 Dec 2025, 6:20 AM | 9 months ago | 1636 viewsNew Zealand’s food and fibre exports are projected to reach a record $62 billion by June 2026, driven by strong demand, favorable growing conditions, and diverse sectors including meat, wool, horticulture, forestry, and dairy. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay highlights government support through reforms, trade expansion, and sustainability initiatives, contributing to rising farmer confidence and economic recovery. The sector now accounts for 83% of all goods exports and employs one in seven New Zealanders, underscoring its vital role in the country’s economy and communities.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi farmers SOPI report Agriculture and Forestry food and fibre exports meat and wool horticulture forestry dairy32 Graduate Veterinarians Start Rural Careers in New Zealand Through Govt Scheme
12 Dec 2025, 1:12 PM | 10 months ago | 1423 viewsThirty-two graduate veterinarians will start their careers in rural New Zealand through the Government’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians, receiving $55,000 over five years to work in 26 communities focused on production animals and working dogs. The scheme aims to address the rural vet shortage, support animal health, and promote primary sector growth by placing vets in diverse, close-knit rural areas. Since its launch in 2009, the scheme has supported 516 recipients, with the latest group distributed across regions including Waikato, Canterbury, Otago, and others.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Voluntary Bonding Scheme Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand rural veterinarians agriculture veterinary graduates animal health primary sectorNew Zealand’s New Planning System Cuts Red Tape for Farmers and Growers
09 Dec 2025, 12:56 PM | 10 months ago | 1049 viewsNew Zealand is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with two new bills—a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill—to simplify land use regulation and better support farmers by reducing red tape, standardizing rules, and adopting a risk-based approach. The new system emphasizes property rights, fewer consents through flexible freshwater farm plans, and practical environmental management, aiming to lower costs and increase certainty for farmers while promoting sustainable practices. The bills will be introduced to Parliament soon, with public consultation planned and laws expected by 2026 to foster economic recovery and environmental stewardship.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill farmers growers farm plans agricultureNew Food Safety Rules Help Small-Scale Meat Processors Save Costs and Boost Local Food
08 Dec 2025, 12:51 PM | 10 months ago | 1090 viewsNew rule changes reduce sampling and testing requirements for small-scale meat processors, lowering costs while maintaining high food safety standards. These adjustments, developed after consultation with micro operators, aim to ease barriers for small businesses and support local food supplies without compromising safety. The government is committed to balancing oversight with practicality to foster innovation and help primary industries succeed.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Minister micro abattoirs food safety rule changes sampling requirements small businesses primary industries complianceNew Zealand's Strong Wool Scores First Export Order for Innovative Wool Particles
08 Dec 2025, 11:25 AM | 10 months ago | 1074 viewsNew Zealand’s strong wool sector has achieved a major milestone with its first export order for innovative wool particle products, secured by Wool Source for a Japanese personal care company. This success stems from a significant $8.72 million Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) program aimed at developing high-value wool products, including powders and pigments for cosmetics, paints, and inks. The government is actively promoting wool use domestically and internationally to boost returns for sheep farmers and support the sector’s growth.
Tags: Mark Patterson Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Wool Source Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand WRONZ Kāinga Ora sheep farmers Japanese company Rural Communities MinisterNew Zealand Nears Eradication of Mycoplasma bovis After Major Milestone
01 Dec 2025, 3:33 PM | 10 months ago | 1105 viewsNew Zealand is nearing eradication of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis, with no infections detected after two spring calving seasons and ongoing surveillance to confirm its absence. The $870 million, 10-year eradication programme, launched in 2018, has involved farmers, officials, and the community working together to protect the dairy and beef industries from significant economic losses. The last known transmission was in September 2023, and efforts continue to achieve full eradication by June 2028, with gratitude expressed for the collective perseverance and sacrifices made.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Mycoplasma bovis Biosecurity Minister DairyNZ Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries OSPRI New Zealand farmers animal disease eradication community leadersNZ Uses Drone and Thermal Imaging Tech to Boost Bovine TB Eradication Efforts
29 Nov 2025, 1:04 PM | 10 months ago | 1010 viewsBiosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that the Government is trialling thermal imaging drones to monitor possum populations, the main spreaders of bovine tuberculosis (TB), in challenging terrains like Central Otago. This technology enables more efficient, targeted possum control by accessing remote areas and reducing the high costs and difficulties of traditional methods such as trapping and helicopter operations. The initiative aims to enhance TB eradication efforts, protecting farmers and taxpayers by ultimately reducing possum numbers to a level where the disease cannot persist.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard OSPRI bovine tuberculosis possum control drone technology thermal imaging Central Otago New Zealand farmers disease eradication TB eradicationGovernment Invests $2.7M in Farmstrong to Boost Rural Wellbeing and Safety
24 Nov 2025, 4:20 PM | 10 months ago | 1091 viewsThe Government has renewed a $2.7 million investment in the Farmstrong rural wellbeing programme, part of a five-year $6.8 million agreement between ACC and Farmstrong aimed at reducing injuries in agriculture and horticulture. Since its 2016 launch, Farmstrong has delivered significant returns, saving over 9,800 injury claims and $52 million in costs by addressing the link between wellbeing and injury risk. The programme, supported by ACC, FMG, and the Mental Health Foundation, provides practical resources to support farmers' mental health and safety, reinforcing the sector's importance to New Zealand's economy.
Tags: Farmstrong Nicola Grigg ACC agriculture injuries rural wellbeing FMG Mental Health Foundation New Zealand government horticulture injury preventionGovernment Announces Further Funding for Storm-Damaged Farmers
08 Nov 2025, 12:46 PM | 11 months ago | 1232 viewsThe Government has allocated additional funding to aid farmers and growers in Southland, Clutha, and Hurunui districts in recovering from storm damage. Severe weather caused extensive destruction to powerlines, farm buildings, infrastructure, and affected dairy farms with prolonged power outages. The Rural Support Trusts in North Canterbury, Otago, and Southland are receiving up to $70,000 to assist in coordinating recovery efforts and supporting those in need, in addition to the $250,000 previously allocated for storm-affected communities.
Tags: Government funding farmers growers storm damage Agriculture Minister Todd McClay Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson power outages recovery efforts Rural Support TrustsNew Legislation Protects Farmland from Forest Conversions, Boosting Agriculture Sector
05 Nov 2025, 9:57 AM | 11 months ago | 1165 viewsLegislation has been enacted to restrict farm-to-forest conversions on productive farmland, fulfilling a campaign promise by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay. The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme - Forestry Conversion) Amendment Act, effective from October 31, 2025, aims to protect food production, rural communities, and forestry investments. Exotic forests are limited from entering the Emissions Trading Scheme on New Zealand's most productive soils, with exemptions for Māori-owned land and erosion-prone areas, while transitional exemptions are available for qualifying forestry investments made between 2021 and 2024.
Tags: Legislation farmland Agriculture Forestry Minister Todd McClay Climate Change Response Emissions Trading Scheme New Zealand MPIInnovative AgriZeroNZ Investment: Wearable Device to Cut Agricultural Emissions and Boost Farm Productivity
04 Nov 2025, 9:30 AM | 11 months ago | 1220 viewsThe Government and industry have invested $1.2 million through AgriZeroNZ to develop a wearable device for cows that can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching on farms. This investment is part of AgriZeroNZ's efforts to accelerate the development of emissions reduction tools for farmers, aligning with the Government's goal of doubling export value in 10 years. The project by Canterbury start-up Āmua is just one of several innovative ventures supported by AgriZeroNZ, aiming to drive productivity, high-value jobs, and a future-ready economy through science, technology, and innovation.
Tags: Nicola Willis Shane Reti AgriZeroNZ Āmua Government Innovation Technology Science Agribusiness CanterburyMinister Urges Farmers and Growers to Prioritize Safety During Severe Weather Warnings
23 Oct 2025, 11:51 AM | 11 months ago | 1153 viewsAgriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay advises farmers, growers, and foresters to prioritize safety and heed weather warnings, especially in the Canterbury region under a red level strong wind warning. The warning indicates potential dangers such as flying debris, fallen trees, and powerline hazards, urging caution and avoiding unnecessary risks. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with civil defence teams, while affected individuals are advised to stay indoors, prepare for power cuts, and seek support from the Rural Support Trust if needed.
Tags: Farmers growers foresters weather warnings Agriculture Minister Todd McClay local emergency wind warning human safety power cutsGovernment Invests $8 Million in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research: Boosting Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture
20 Oct 2025, 11:25 AM | 11 months ago | 1096 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighting the opening of a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in Waikato. Livestock Improvement Corporation's new 'Methane Barn' will facilitate large-scale monitoring of methane produced by dairy cows, allowing farmers to select lower-emitting genetics without compromising productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop up to 11 methane-cutting tools by 2030, emphasizing the commitment to reducing emissions without jeopardizing farm operations or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations methane barnMinister Andrew Hoggard Represents NZ at World Dairy Summit and Visits South American Agribusinesses
19 Oct 2025, 10:16 AM | 11 months ago | 1140 viewsNew Zealand's Biosecurity, Food Safety, and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard is representing the country at the World Dairy Summit in Chile, where global dairy industry stakeholders convene annually. Hoggard aims to showcase New Zealand's efficient farming practices and discuss the country's innovative, sustainable dairy products at the event. The dairy sector's crucial role in global nutrition, economic support, and New Zealand's export growth strategy is emphasized through Hoggard's participation and upcoming engagements in Argentina and Uruguay.
Tags: Biosecurity Food Safety Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard New Zealand World Dairy Summit farmers dairy products nutrition economyGovernment Invests $8M in Lower Methane Dairy Genetics Research at State-of-the-Art Facility
17 Oct 2025, 12:23 PM | 11 months ago | 999 viewsThe Government has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research at a new state-of-the-art methane research facility in the Waikato, according to Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. Livestock Improvement Corporation's 'Methane Barn' will allow for monitoring and measuring methane from dairy cows to help farmers select lower-emitting genetics without affecting productivity. The Government and industry aim to develop methane-cutting tools with investments totaling over $400 million, ensuring farmers can reduce on-farm emissions without compromising production or jobs.
Tags: Government Agriculture Minister Todd McClay methane research livestock improvement genetics methane emissions mitigation tools climate obligations investments