Dairy

Cash-strapped farmers are getting relief through a major drop in the price of key farm input - fertiliser.

Some good news - albeit temporary for primary exports.

Troubled Canterbury milk processor Synlait has received a boost with Chinese authorities giving the company the green light to manufacture and export infant formula for the next four years.

The first Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction for the new season delivered underwhelming results last week.

The executive director of Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) says her organisation supports ongoing efforts from the NZ Government to bring down trade barriers to ensure a diversity of trade opportunities for New Zealand exporters.

Fonterra has lifted its monthly advance rate paid to farmer suppliers by 30c/kgMS for the next six months but that may not be enough for many farmers.

New Zealand's short but sweet persimmon season is now underway.

In what your old mate reckons is par for the course for the current Government, it has blown more taxpayer money on a wasted cause.

NZ Avocado Growers Association chief executive Jen Scoular will step down in August after serving 12 years in the role.