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The Rural Guardian


Finding Her Way Back: The farming journey of Cheyenne Wilson
Raised in the small settlement of Ohai, Cheyenne Wilson grew up alongside her father on sheep and beef farms, learning early how to read stock, ride motorbikes and tractors, and work hard for what she wanted. Supplied. Southland’s Cheyenne Wilson never planned on a career in dairying or agribusiness leadership. Raised in the small settlement of Ohai, she grew up alongside her father on sheep and beef farms, learning early how to read stock, ride motorbikes and tractors, and
Jan 164 min read


Synlait showcases Canterbury dairy at world’s largest expo
70 Synlait farmers who travelled to Shanghai take the stage at CIIE. Supplied. Synlait Milk marked one of its biggest occasions of the year at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). Hosted at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Centre from 5 to 10 November, this is the world’s largest import expo, attracting over 400,000 visitors and more than 4,000 exhibitors from 138 countries. This was Synlait’s eight consecutive year at the expo showcasing how, through thei
Jan 42 min read


From Biggar to Gore: A decade of hard work leads to farm ownership for the Ramsays
Having come from a long line of Scottish dairy farmers, dairy farming is in Lynnes blood. Supplied. Ten years after stepping off a plane from Scotland, Lynne and Gregor Ramsay are about to pay the deposit on their first New Zealand dairy farm, a 200-cow, 105-hectare property near Gore. It marks the culmination of a decade of determination, long hours and careful planning for the Southland couple. Lynne grew up in a long line of Scottish dairy and sheep farmers, while Gregor i
Dec 17, 20254 min read


A hands-on approach
Open days are a great way to explore and understand what agricultural tertiary pathway to pursue and how to prepare for life at university. Supplied. Many Year 12 and 13 students are beginning to map out their futures - but for those eyeing a career in agriculture, what does preparing for the industry actually look like? According to Tom Maxwell, Senior Lecturer at Lincoln University, the ag sector is hungry for capable, skilled graduates - particularly for roles such as rura
Dec 17, 20254 min read


Power and pedigree at Sherraine Holsteins
When fourth-generation dairy farmer Olivia Cahill walks into the rotary, every cow is known by name, number and lineage.
That’s because each cow carries more than a century of family breeding behind it.
This winter, Olivia and her husband Jared took a bold step, shifting the historic Sherraine Holsteins stud from Ohoka to a larger property at Swannanoa, doubling their herd and creating a platform for the next generation.
Dec 12, 20253 min read


From the calf shed to the vet truck: Delilah Flavell’s life with cows
Delilah Flavell spent several years dairy farming before making the switch to becoming a vet technician From sneaking out in her pyjamas...
Oct 8, 20254 min read


Cream of the crop: how The Good Cow is redefining small-scale dairy
In addition to supplying Fonterra, The Good Cow sells milk from vending machines direct to consumers from the farm gate. Claire Inkson Making a small farm operation work requires diversification and a think outside-the- square mindset. At The Good Cow in Sefton, owner Tammy Acton-Adams is doing just that – and challenging traditional farming models with a rare farm two-tier system that’s proving sustainable and popular. The small dairy farm sells fresh, raw milk direct to con
Sep 1, 20254 min read
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