Mike Barrington is a reporter for the Northern Advocate
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Stalwart of the Northland shearing circuit makes final cut for Norwood awards
Neil Sidwell, of Waiwera is a finalist in the 2019 Norwood NZ Rural Sports Awards.
Funding to stave off feijoa crash
A fungus disease attacking feijoa trees is at risk of spreading.
Fun guaranteed at the Wairoa A&P Show
127th annual Northern Wairoa A&P Show has something for everyone.
Northland's rural production sector bucks trends
Lack of labour major constraint in a generally optimistic rural sector, says REINZ
Rural city-fringe values soar in Northland
Auckland buyers drive up lifestyle prices in Northland but dairy has lost ground.
Orchard sales in Northland hint at land-use trend
The Bay of Islands is showing strong growth in orchard land sales.
Funds for mānuka plantings
Funding for manuka plants will help beekeeping cultivars progress.
Northland vendors hope mild spring will help with farm sale
At least 34 farms have sold in Northland in three months ending in October.
Cocavo spreads the good oil further
Entrepreneur hopes his blend of coconut and avocado oil will boost the Pacific Islands.
Fonterra: Collaboration key to clean-up NZ waterways
Fonterra counts the milestones a year after the launch of an ambitious river programme.
Northern finalists line up for FMG Young Farmer of the Year
Four farming hopefuls qualify for Northern Regional Final of Young Farmer of the Year.
Farmer-led project Extension 350 wins award
A farmer-led project has received top honour at the 2018 Economic Development NZ Awards.
Farm sales ease in Northland
Farm sale volumes in Northland in the period ending September 2018 continue to ease.
Finance hurdle stalls conversion of Northland abattoir
US rules hold up ambitious Hikurangi abattoir conversion project.
Robin Grieve dismisses Upton report on Greenhouse emissions
New calls for politicians to rethink how methane is treated
Loathed manuka now loved in Waipoua Forest
Where once it was despised, manuka is now being planted with a golden future
Spring brings glimmer of hope for Northland property vendors
Farm sales are down but the Real Estate Institute senses an air of cautious optimism
Mycoplasma bovis cattle cull hits 32,000 mark
We look at progress a year after the response to Mycoplasma bovis began in earnest.
Northland rural resilience in face of M. bovis
Sales figures in Northland are encouraging for winter, says Real Estate Institute
Pipiwai beef farmer has high hopes for new gate spring
Innovations: Metal spring invention hopes to replace plastic one in farm fences.
Mycoplasma bovis blamed for falling farm sales
Northland farm sale decline most severe of sales slumps throughout NZ.
Northland water storage plans back on boil
Council exploring possibility of Provincial Growth Fund financing for water project.
M. bovis concerns over origin of calves
Hundreds of farmers attend MPI/DairyNZ Mycoplasma bovis update meetings.
Despite great autumn, North leads slump in sales
Figures have shown 55 fewer farm sales nationally than this time last year.
REINZ: Solid upturn in Northland farm property
Despite fewer farms selling this year, the institute detects a rise in confidence.
Horticulture NZ candidate hopes to amplify North voice
A Dargaville farmer seeks election on to the Horticulture NZ national board.
Farmers put heft behind billion trees policy
Northland farmers are involved in planting for the billion-tree planting programme.
Ashgrove Coopworth Field Day draws big crowds
James Parsons drew big crowds to a field day on his Ashgrove Coopworth stud.
Crowds come out to toast Young Paraders
Prizegiving ceremony celebrates northern winners of Young Paraders competition.
Forestry provides financial freedom for immobilised farmer
The long-term benefits of growing pines give Murdoch Ross some financial freedom.
Farm built on vision and hard work
Couple introduce blueberries grown in tunnel houses to make old avocado venture profitable
Wet season leaves Northland farmers smiling
The weather over summer brought favourable conditions for most Northland farms.
Second wettest January on record for Northland
January rainfall has been way above normal this year in Northland.
Eight vie for coveted Northern regional final of Young Farmer of the Year title
Eight contestants will vie for Northern regional final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year
Copper spray key to high quality avocados
A trip to Australia persuades grower of benefits of using copper spray on avocados.
Northland farm sales down
Northland is down 25 on its sales tally for the same time a year earlier.
There is such a thing as farmer's intuition
Two Lincoln University researchers have been examining how Kiwi farmers make decisions.
Tropical Fruit Growers NZ membership soars
Tropical Fruit Growers of New Zealand membership has soared over the last year.
Concern over leptospirosis spike in Northland
Northland cases of leptospirosis jump to highest number in 20 years.
Northland farm gates open to good vibes
Fonterra Open Gates events in Northland receive perceptive questions and positive feedback
Northland farms to open gates for water inspection
Two Northland dairy farms will open their gates on December 10 to show water protection.
Chairman steps down from the Beef + Lamb board
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) chairman James Parsons will not seek re-election
Milk price volatility spurs flexibility
Traditions are changing for dairy farmers wanting to slow down
Awards for dairy industry on offer
Entries in Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager, Dairy Tranee of the Year now open
Study: Small streams have huge impact
Rethink on rules over smaller streams needed says research
Future Farm may be set up in North
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is to establish a "Future Farm" in Northland
TV show loses funding at bad time, says Milne
A call has gone out to get Rural Delivery back on our screens next year.
River log jams prompt rethink
Hapu fear proposed crossing will damage a shared resource and scuttle their own plans
Top farm to open its gates
Farm managers win Best Northland Farm Performance Award for the second year running
McKerrow passes on show baton
Committee had 'compelling' reasons to select new chief executive
Northern region's farmers surveyed
Questions intended to make once-a-day milking switch easier
Winner of Northland forestry prize leads by example
Top forestry industry prize winner can truly walk in the shoes of others he works with
Consultants talk, money sings
Rural consultants help boost farm incomes through improved farm management
Quality lifestyle lots in demand in Northland
Forestry block sales show good returns in Northland
Study pits grass against PKE
Project at Dargaville may spur many farmers into re-evaluating their feed systems.
Tino pai! Trust takes top award
A Trust farm near Kaikohe has won the Ahuwhenua Trophy Maori Excellence in Farming Award.