Latest from Farming

SFF merger would create 'a big whale'

Alliance chairman Murray Taggart says any Silver Fern merger Farms risks making a "big beached whale" of the meat industry.

Beef exports hit record $3b

Beef exports have hit $3 billion - a record high, driven by international shortages, rising local production, and a falling New Zealand dollar, Statistics NZ said.

Brian Gaynor: It's takeover time and China is ready

Maling's proposal to acquire 50% of Silver Fern Farms reaffirms that Chinese investors are interested in New Zealand's rural and food-based assets.

Fonterra result gives dairy farmers hope

Fonterra is reporting a big turnaround in annual profit and a much improved forecast cash payout for the current year.

Synlait profits halve as milk prices drop

Canterbury dairy company Synlait Milk has almost halved its net profit for the July year to $10.6 million.

Dairy farmers feel pressure of low prices

Low dairy prices have continued to weigh heavily on farmer sentiment, according to Rabobank's Rural Confidence Survey.

Fonterra slashes another 227 jobs

Chief executive Theo Spierings says dairy giant has to make tough decisions as review increases job cuts to 750.

Lochinver conundrum has knock-on effects

The blocking of a sale of Lochinver Farm will be welcomed by those with a narrow, not to say xenophobic, view of the national interest.

Will auction jump mean farmer payout hike?

Does this morning's big jump in world dairy prices mean an increased payout for farmers? There might be a long way to go.

Why bison is the new beef

The grass-fed meat has fewer calories, less cholesterol or fat than beef, and consumers can't seem to get enough.

Landcorp profits plunge 84pc

State-owned farmer Landcorp said its profit fell by 84 per cent due mostly due to lower milk and lamb prices.

Online exchange for private firms

A new online exchange aims to help investors who own shares in private companies or units in property, farm or forestry syndicates to trade them more easily.

Bank: Risk of recession has increased

Investment bank says there is a 25 to 30 per cent risk of New Zealand's economy going into recession in the next 12 months.

John Luxton: Major TPP players holding their dairy consumers to ransom

DairyNZ chairman John Luxton says it some TPP players are seeking to maintain trade protection rather than reduce it.

Dairy price jump a lift for farmers

Farmers were given cause for cautious optimism after global dairy auction prices rallied by almost 15 per cent, ending a 10-sale losing streak.

Increase in dairy prices give hope

Wholemilk powder prices rallied by 19.1 per cent at this morning's GlobalDairyTrade auction.

Mike Hosking: The dairy sector is not in crisis

I like to see the glass half full, and I have the facts to back that view. If you still want to see the glass half empty - you're the loser, writes Mike Hosking.

Landcorp may have to sell farms - English

Finance Minister Bill English won't rule out state farming company Landcorp having to sell more farms than usual to ensure it is not too loaded with debt.