July 2008

Footbath could save
bees and end varroa mite

One of the biggest world wide threats to honey bees, the varroa mite, could soon be about to meet its nemesis.

NZ wool price strengthens

New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd reports that prices at today's wool sales strengthened in most types between two and five per cent.

Vaccine against neospora
moves a step closer

An effective vaccine against a parasite-borne disease called neosporosis may be a few steps closer to development, thanks to US scientists and cooperators.

Record profit for Ballance Agri-Nutrients
Ballance Agri-Nutrients has reported an impressive result for its financial year ended 31 May.

Water policy will mean fewer trees planted
If the government's proposed new water policy goes ahead in its present from, it is likely to result in fewer new forests being planted.

Farms still selling well
in south of NZ

The rural property market continued to outpace the residential property market in June with continued strong prices and sales, according to REINZ National Councillor and rural spokesperson for the Institute Mr Peter McDonald.

David Skiffington wins
Young Farmer title

Part-time farmer and stay-at-home dad David Skiffington from Manawatu is the 2008 National Bank Young Farmer of the Year.

The win comes just a year after David missed out on the title - coming first equal but missing out on a count back to practical scores. This time he had a 10-point lead over second-placed Nick Webster going into the final quick fire buzzer round and managed to hang on to take the win last night.

Young Farmer Contest Final on TV tonight...
The long wait is almost over for seven Young Farmers - the wait to see who will be named 2008 National Bank Young Farmer Contest champion.

Scientists work out how bird flu adapts
Scientists have discovered how bird flu adapts in patients, offering a new way to monitor the disease and prevent a pandemic, according to research published in the August issue of the Journal of General Virology.

National Bank Young Farmer Contest Grand Final in Ashburton
Ashburton put on a warm, sunny day to greet seven Young Farmers and their supporters from around the country today as the 2008 Grand Final of the National Bank Young Farmer Contest got underway.

Forward contracts could help
boost NZ wool price

Woolgrowers consigning their wool to the new forward contract initiative introduced last year by New Zealand Wool Services International Limited (WSI) will benefit from a premium of between $15 and $30 per bale, says the company.

Protecting the future
of our primary sector

The latest data from Statistics New Zealand shows that over the first three months of this year our economy contracted by 0.3 percent, the first period of negative growth in two and a half years.

If the economy shrinks in the June quarter, as is expected, then New Zealand will officially be in a recession.