Rural initiatives

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Farming trends

Kiwi researcher Kate Beecroft has been studying New Zealand agriculture, with a particular eye on biological farming techniques, as part of her Masters thesis in politics at Massey University.

'Heretic' farmer visits

Described by Time magazine as the most innovative farmer in the world, Joel Salatin of Virginia in the United States was in New Zealand during February for a speaking tour.

The farmer’s flashpoint

For many, the journey to living a greener life is a gradual process – a long, slow climb. But for some there is a moment that changed their path forever. Felicity Monk talks to an ...

From muck to money

Andrew Hayes boosted milk production and slashed fertiliser costs when he rescued two lakes on his farm. Nicola Shepheard discovers how sustainable farming is putting cash into cow cockies’ pockets.

Dairy to be different

Farmer Mark Pike reckons a relaxed approach to dairying is better for the land – and better for farmers.

A better way to farm?

Some interesting points in the New York Times on the 'Marsden Farm Study' of crop rotations. The basic idea?  Crop rotations “produced better yields of both corn and soy, reduced the need for nitrogen fertilizer and herbicides ...