Otago Daily Times News Feed

While the weather has meant a testing time for farmers and contractors in the south, labour issues continue to be a major constraint in keeping up with work on farms, Southland agricultural contractor Peter Corcoran says.

Hoping to represent Switzerland in the woolhandling section of next year's World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Le Dorat, France, in July, are (from left) Charis Morrell (13) and her mum Gabriela Schmidt-Morrell. Jelena Morrell (9) is part of their support crew and is also learning woolhandling. Photo: Yvonne O'Hara Alexandra's Gabriela Schmidt-Morrell is looking for a woolhandler from Switzerland to join the team representing that country in next year's world shearing championships in France.

Justine Williams. The Southern Field Days site could be used for a wider variety of events if a land use consent application lodged with the Gore District Council gains favour.

Bridget Lowry gets out on her Balclutha farm with some of her Pinzgauer cattle. She says she enjoys breeding something that is a bit different. Photo: Ella Stokes One South Otago woman is passionate about breeding cattle - but her herd is a bit different.

Alexandra registered nurse Marg Eckhoff, pictured with her dog Izzy, is passionate about rural nursing and has devoted much of her life to it. Photo: Yvonne O'Hara From suitcase clinics for women, to being the ''godmother'' of bed-wetting and travelling to isolated farms and communities to provide emergency care, registered nurse Marg Eckhoff has played an important part in rural health in Central Otago for many years.

Margaret Pittaway Initiatives to increase health care in rural areas is a ''step in the right direction'', says Rural Women New Zealand director and health spokeswoman Margaret Pittaway, of Lowburn.

Acacia Farmery readies her drone with its camera to fly over the recently planted stand of pines at Pebbly Hill Forest. Photos: Ken Muir A group of young foresters is working to raise the profile of their industry and provide support for those looking to develop careers in the sector.

Thrilled with his junior sheep judging win at the New Zealand Agricultural Show last week, is Will Stuart, of Tarras, (middle). Judge Mark Urquhart is on the left and judge Warren Russell, of Victoria, Australia, is on the right. Photo: Paterson Family The three-day New Zealand Agricultural Show (formerly the Canterbury A&P Show) at Christchurch finished last Friday.

Wine enthusiasts take part in a wine tasting at Amisfield Vineyard, Cromwell, during the 2016 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration. Photo: Supplied Central Otago's pinot noir will be on show to media from around the world early next year.

Members of the University of Otago School of Physical Education Beats rural study team gather at Friday's symposium. Pictured are (back, from left) Gavin Kidd, Long Chen, Charlotte Flaherty, Dr Anna Rolleston, Associate Prof Sandra Mandic, Dr Susan Sandretto, Dr Kirsten Coppell, Associate Prof Antoni Moore, (front, from left) Olivia Eyles, Jessica Calverley, Brittany White, Kimberley King and Tessa Pocock. Photo: Brenda Harwood The results of a detailed study of the activity levels and transport habits of 1000 adolescents across rural Otago and Southland have been revealed.

Biosecurity New Zealand and Onions New Zealand have reached an agreement on funding to prepare for future biosecurity responses.

Jennifer Somervell with some of her books at St Mary's School, in Milton, last week during her Otago tour. Photo: Ella Stokes One writer is turning her memories of growing up on a farm into story books.

A radical solution to deal with the tahr problem is to involve the military. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery Will the proposed tahr cull leave animals to rot as mountain maggot fodder?  Jim Moffat  asks if there is a more productive solution.

New Zealand's best secondary school athletes are set to flock to Dunedin next week.

Southland club player Shanan Kapene has received a two-year suspension from rugby after a New Zealand Rugby Judicial Committee found him guilty of anti-doping violations.

This is an exciting time of year for high-achieving school pupils, their proud parents and caregivers, and their supportive friends.

The New Zealand Motor Transport company's workshops at the New Zealand base near the front in France. - Otago Witness, 27.11.1918. Speaking in the House in answer to questions, the Minister of Defence said the Defence Department had done a great deal to assist the civilian authorities in dealing with the [influenza] epidemic.

Jayne Hrdlicka The a2 Milk Co says strong growth continued in the past four months and it remains sanguine about regulatory changes in China.

New Zealand Post is expecting one of the busiest weeks of the year, following Black Friday online sales.

Otago could end up hosting the one-day final even if it is not the top qualifier.