Douglas Giles is a respected contractor operating throughout western Manawatu.

Emma Ractliffe, Regulatory Manager at Progressive Meats, has been named the FarmIQ Systems Emerging Rural Professional of the Year for 2026, while rural consultant and director at Perrin Ag, Carla Muller, has taken out the title of Beef + Lamb New Zealand Rural Professional of the Year.

Insect pest vigilance is key with spring-sown crops this year, experts say.