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Australia’s vast scale often means many New Zealanders carry a simplified, condensed version of it in their minds, often only featuring expanses of desert banded by its glittering coastal cities including Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. But it is a shorthand version that fails to include Australia’s huge and highly productive farming sector, a sector on the march upwards in its contribution to the Lucky Country’s already enviable wealth.

Growing better calves comes down to better nutrition; that’s what dairy farmers Sam and Jo Spencer-Bower learned last season.

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.

It has been suspected for some time and now the numbers prove it; herbicide resistant weeds are widespread on arable farms.

Sulphur (S) is vital in any farm setting, but often lacking in New Zealand soils, especially in spring when it’s most needed. Despite being essential, relatively cheap and straightforward to apply with other nutrients, S is still easily overlooked.

For the next three months, we will look at the following: autumn sown arable crops, barley grass control in pasture and weed control in lucerne.

‘Dry’ has been and remains a commonly used term when describing weather and soil conditions for the first half of 2024. That’s meant favourable conditions for cultivation and drilling post-harvest, however low commodity prices, reduced seed contracts, and high input prices appear to be keeping optimism low among the arable industry.

For 54 years, ElectraServe has provided comprehensive electrical service to the people of Mid Canterbury.

Focusing on daily habits helps manage pressure when the going gets tough says Farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock.