Birth woes
OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.
OPINION: China's ambassador to NZ, Wang Xiaolong, reminded NZ exporters who is their friend when it comes to fair trading on the global market.
Speaking at the Chinese Business Summit in Auckland last week, he noted that it was the Western industrial countries that preached to China in its early stages of development the virtues of an open market, free trade and sustainability.
Xiaolong noted that China has fulfilled all its commitments and obligations under WTO and its FTAs with other countries and regions including New Zealand.
"Then, ironically, the very countries having lectured us in the first place have ditched their own sermons. It so turns out that the 'fair competition', 'comparative advantage' or 'free trade' they espouse is but a game that must be won by them and them alone, and is for everyone else to lose."
He was reminding NZ of Canada's reluctance to open their dairy market to NZ products allowed under a trade deal.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
The head of Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment, Professor Paul Kenyon, says the outlook for the primary sector is positive with record numbers of students enrolling for Massey's range of undergraduate courses in the primary sector.
OPINION: Expect the Indian free trade deal to feature strongly in the election campaign.
OPINION: One of the world's largest ice cream makers, Nestlé, is going cold on the viability of making the dessert.