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Streamlining efficiency and embracing technology underpins continued investment at the Mawle family’s Blackford Farming dairy operation in the Rakaia Gorge.

Preparations are well underway for this year’s prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final being held in Hamilton from 11 to 13 July, and while the spotlight is largely focused on the finalists in the premier event, the categories aimed at secondary and primary school students are also fiercely contested.

Two new Directors have recently been welcomed to the Ruralco Board bringing a wealth of experiences and farming knowledge to the table.

Having teamed up with Southern Stations Wagyu, Michael Schat has moved away from the dairy industry to pursue new opportunities as part-owner and operator of the company’s first Canterbury-based state-of-the-art wagyu composting finishing barn at Aylesbury.

Long-held features on local calendars for showcasing the district’s agricultural strengths, reinforcing community connections in a fun-filled family environment, and celebrating all that it is to be a Kiwi, the Mayfield and Methven A&P shows will run on consecutive weekends this month.

The Hart family have established a successful mixed cropping and lamb finishing operation using biological farming practices, a soil fertiliser business, and an aerial spraying business near Methven nearly 40 years ago. 

Rooted in generations of family, Lawn Hayes is a testament to the innovative and questioning spirit of the generations.

Caitlin Hyde is completing her PhD on the appeal of eating insects in New Zealand. She has chosen a subject that is proving more interesting to many than actively engaging in the activity itself. 

For Alford Forest couple Richard Morris and celebrated artist, welder, and sculptor Hannah Kidd, a strong connection to New Zealand rural life has remained one true constant in both their lives.

Neil Bateup, has witnessed some drastic changes to his rural community over the past 30 years, changes which have made farming easier, but in other ways significantly tougher and more isolated.