Strong rural economy helps Southland take first place in ASB regional economic scoreboard.

The New Zealand Whisky Company looks to expand operations in Otago.

Christmas fishing is looking good in the South island for anglers.

Report shows dairy made up about 5% of Otago's GDP and about 10% of Southland's.

Moleskin company Tussock Creek has been sold to a North Canterbury couple.

Brothers Nick and Matthew Wallis were killed in separate helicopter incidents this year.

A ''state of the art'' aquaculture facility will receive a $2m cash injection.

Wilding pines are becoming a big problem so efforts are tripling to get rid of them.

Farmers are being asked to keep grass levels down in Otago to avoid fire risks.

The grass is not always greener on the Cowley family's dairy farm on the Taieri Plain.

Jo Scott can't imagine doing anything else with her life in Otago - except farming.

Simon Limmer enjoys the challenges that come with being Silver Fern Farms chief executive.

A new chairman has been elected for the Upper Clutha A&P Society board.

Outram School children have been giving back to the land.

''When we first came here farmers spoke so fast and we didn't understand anything.''

The Mental Health Foundation wants more focus on rural communities.

Waiau has marked some milestones in its recovery from the November 2016 earthquake.

Farmers should move baleage from flood plains to higher ground, say experts.

The wool industry is trying its best to support education in agriculture.

New potatoes are being harvested in North Otago.

A bill has passed that tells people the origin of their food products on the label.

Strawberry punnets filled up at the Waimate Strawberry Fare.

It has been a quiet year for cattle exports, with only three going out from NZ.

Pamu general manager Graeme Mulligan has been honoured with Mulligans Covenant.

Climate change is a difficult subject to tackle for dairy farmers.

Southern Clams can now harvest cockles from the Otago Harbour.

The Lawrence Gymkhana Club has received a large chunk of funding.

DairyNZ is carrying out a labour market survey in Southland and Canterbury.

MPI's newly appointed director-general has been addressing farmers concerns about m.bovis.

Repair costs after the latest floods in Central Otago are skyrocketing.