Summer may have been a dismal season for townies but it boosted the economy, says Federated Farmers.
National and Hawke's Bay president Bruce Wills says Statistics New Zealand figures show a bumper export performance.
"New Zealand's big six agricultural exports have grown in export value by an amazing $2.6 billion over the past year," he said.
"The increased value of dairy, meat, wood, fruit, fish and wine exports this season is more than all the revenue generated by Telecom."
The increased export value was 2.6 billion reasons why New Zealand needed to safeguard and maximise its agricultural potential, he said.