David Carter has declared a drought in the Waikato and Ruapehu District, saying recent rainfalls appear to have had little effect on dry pastures.

Water is one thing NZ has plenty of. So why don't we manage it better - for the economy and the environment? Nick Smith* reports.

The Crafar farming family has lost its appeal against convictions and sentences for dirty dairying practices on a Waikato dairy farm.

The High Court has reserved judgment on an appeal by the Crafar dairy farming family against convictions and sentence for dirty dairying.

As the Emissions Trading Scheme begins, studies find a wealth of carbon locked up in the soil.

A farmers' group in the Waikato has given warning that an $824m pylon project due to start next month may lead to standoffs with Transpower.

The science going on at AgResearch's new farm at Tokanui may help New Zealand's dairy farms run in a more sustainable fashion.

Fonterra says it won't hesitate to take action, "including refusal to collect milk" if deliberate animal mistreatment is proven.

New Zealand's biggest privately held dairying operation allowed dozens of calves to slowly dehydrate to death.