FAR Weekly: 17 May 2020

Beef + Lamb New Zealand are seeking South Island mixed finishing farms to include in their national Sheep and Beef Farm survey. The survey links physical production with financial returns and the capital structure of farms. 

Ever wondered about your crop’s nutrient status? Grain nutrient analysis measures the final results of all the decisions you have made in growing your crop. FAR is again supporting growers who wish to submit grain and seed samples for nutrient analysis from the 2026 Harvest.

Did you know you can get free personalised weather forecasts delivered to your inbox daily?

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

Read information on scouting and the current black-grass situation in this January 2026 update.

Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free. Find out how you can take part here.

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

Stem rust (Puccinia graminis subsp. graminicola) is the most damaging of the ryegrass diseases. This update discusses how different fungicide programmes and timings affect seed yield. It compares early versus late applications and offers practical advice to help growers improve rust control and maximise returns.

This Herbage Update defines a more accurate harvest window for perennial ryegrass seed crops. Read more here.

Welcome to the revised 2025 version of  The drying and storage of grain and herbage seed, first published in 1999. The book comprises six chapters that cover grain characteristics and their reaction to climate, the importance of seed moisture, the drying system, the storage environment, storage pests and their control, and construction considerations. These have been edited and updated by FAR staff and independent experts from the original chapters written by the late Murray Hill.