Archive for May, 2013
Fonterra offer scaled back to 79% of 25%
The high level of demand means the Fonterra Offer will be scaled. Fonterra will buy 79.7284 per cent of the economic rights each farmer shareholder offered to sell.
60% more wheat needed by 2050
Wheat is a major staple crop worldwide but its production has not reached demand in 10 of the 15 past years
Angus bull for dinner – almost!
… the bull in question will not be on the menu, but instead will have pride of place on the wall.
Boost to quarantine inspector numbers
The recruitment of more biosecurity quarantine inspectors calls into question earlier staff and budget cuts, according to the Public Service Association.
Policy changes could help boost biogas production
Livestock produces a lot of waste. One solution is to turn such agricultural waste into biogas to generate energy. It requires using so-called anaerobic digestion, which consists in breaking down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. This approach could thus solve farmers’ problem while helping diversify farmers’ income. This is particularly relevant in agricultural […]
Who says plants can’t talk
Australian researchers have found that there’s a lot to be said for having a friendly neighbour… we in New Zealand have known this for some time.
Some pesticides may need banned to protect bees
A ban of a broad variety of pesticides may be required to protect bees, humans and the environment.
Wool prices steady
… longer Fine Crossbred Shears were firm to 3.5 percent dearer with the shorter types 2 to 4 percent easier as recent premium levels ease back. Coarse Crossbred Fleece were firm to 1.5 percent stronger as were the coarse shear types.
Cows are messy eaters… 5% wastage!
Dairy cows in New Zealand are fed almost exclusively on a range of pasture grasses. If you watch a cow eating you will notice that there is always some of each mouthful that falls to the ground uneaten – cows are messy eaters.
Working Bee at the Gravel Pit
Weed control is an ongoing necessity at the Gravel Pit with gorse and broom popping up on a regular basis.