Welcome to our July edition of The Post. This month, we focus on the hop industry and our popular New Zealand-grown hops, which are in high demand worldwide. Our first profile focuses on Garston Hops, a two-tier sheep and hop operation, and the first commercial hop garden in Southland. Owned by the McNamee family, the farm hosts open days for other farmers and rural workers to see how they operate. Garston Hops is very community focused and wishes to be the southern hub for hop growers, uplifting and supporting other farmers who want to start growing hops within the region.

Based in Te Anau, Stephen Daley of Fencetec (2015) Limited was fencing off waterways for Landcorp when we visited. He shows us how he builds a fence to protect freshwater and the environment.

We travelled to the hop region of New Zealand where we visited fifth generation hop farmer and director, Brent McGlashen. Brent discussed the unique hop varieties that New Zealand hops have to offer and why Mac Hops is one of the most carbon efficient hop farms in the world.

It’s that time again! The National Agricultural Fieldays® based at Mystery Creek (14 June to 17 June 2023) featured the best fencing contractors from across the country who came together to compete in the iconic New Zealand Fencing Competitions (NZFC).

Our State of the Industry article for this month focuses on hops. We talk to hop growers and brewers about the hop industry as they discuss their thoughts and experiences about the supply and demand of New Zealand-grown hops.

We intend to continue supplying you with the best stories, activities and techniques in agriculture. If you have anything that you would like us to share, please get in touch.