The Country
From drones to data: How AI is transforming New Zealand farming
AI tools now help farmers map fertiliser use, count stock and monitor pests.
Latest from Fieldays
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Fieldays draws record crowds as organisers tackle growing pains
Fieldays 2026 had the largest opening-day attendance in the event’s recent history.
Waikato farmer turns fast-growing trees into thriving side business
Paulownia NZ is exhibiting at Fieldays for the first time.
Electric collars for cows get PM’s approval
'We're very comfortable with where it’s going,' Christopher Luxon said at Fieldays.
Winston Peters turns on National, coalition in fiery Fieldays speech
He was out campaigning with new recruits Stuart Nash and Taine Randell.
Winston Peters talks polls at Fieldays
Cast of thousands, including Peters, Sir David Fagan, Smiley Barrett, and Emma Poole.
From tools to tubs: Fieldays crowd spending strong as rural wealth flows
Retailers from power tools to clothing reported brisk early sales and queues.
Fieldays reveals $110m funding boost
Govt unveils $110m in new ag funding at Fieldays, backing innovation and growth.
Editorial: Booming rural sector has plenty to celebrate
OPINION: Fieldays are here and even the weather is behaving.
Free mental health support for rural communities
The three-year deal will fund more than 1500 free wellbeing sessions.
Report points to technology as key to safer farms
It highlights technology such as drones and sensors to cut risks before work begins.
Hipkins accepts cost-of-living policy 'won’t help' farmers, denies Labour bailed on Fieldays stand
The Labour leader attended Fieldays today but did not announce any new policy.
The Country talks SOPI at Fieldays
Chris Hipkins, Ray Smith, Shane Jones, R & I Smith, Mike Casey, Kate Scott, Kate Acland.
Concern raised about minister’s chainsaw use in social media video
One industry group says Andrew Hoggard's starting technique was considered unsafe.
'Taboo': Reason Kiwi brand rejected as Fieldays exhibitor revealed
Fieldays says it stands by its family-friendly policy but is open to talks.
The Country at Fieldays 2026: Life on the farm with Sam Whitelock
A cast of 1000s, including Christopher Luxon, Todd McClay, Sam Whitelock, Mark de Lautour.
Luxon talks giving farmers tools for emissions reduction at Fieldays, but key target 'difficult' to hit
A series of announcements have been made at the agricultural event.
Booming rural economy on display at sold-out Fieldays
More than 1100 exhibitors are showcasing farm tech at Mystery Creek.
'Big machines that can carry': Fieldays hub shows drones’ growing farm role
Drone contractors can reach steep, wet blocks faster than other vehicles.
Shake, rattle, harvest: AI aims to boost blueberry yields
Getting the shake just right – not too hard, not too light– could help blueberry orchards.
The Country: QEII boss on National funding pledge
On today: Dan Coup, Jack Jensen, Hunter McGregor, Shane McManaway, and Chris Russell.
Christopher Luxon promises funding boost for conservation trust
The National leader made the announcement at a Mangatāwhiri farm.
The Country: Feds' five-point plan for the next Government
On today: Wayne Langford, David Seymour, farmer Tom Martin, Blair McLean and Phil Duncan.
'Clear roadmap': Federated Farmers launches election priorities
“This isn’t just another wish list or a collection of vague ideas."