AUSTRALIAN DAIRY processor Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB) ended the 2012 financial year 17.8% down on the previous year with a net operating profit after tax of $A15.2 million. But the result – $A3.3million less than 2011 – was stronger than the 20-30% reduction forecast in June.

NEW ZEALAND’S two main fertiliser suppliers, farmer-owned cooperatives Ravensdown and Ballance AgriNutrients, have announced solid profits.

Movements in dairy product prices have remained mixed over the last two weeks.

Data released today by the Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) shows there were 13 more farm sales (+3.3%) for the three months ended June 2012 than for the three months ended June 2011.

The store cattle market in the South Island is still fairly buoyant in comparison to the lamb job seeing the outlook appears more promising.

The store cattle market the south island has been relatively quiet this week. There have been one or two private sales of weaner calves but even this market is slowing down. 

Farm sales are on the rise. Data released by the Real Estate Institute of NZ shows there were 153 more farm sales (+52.8%) for the three months ended April 2012 than for the three months ended April 2011.

Australia's milk production is making a steady climb with total output for 2011-12 forecast to be between 9.4 and 9.5 billion litres, up on last season's total of 9.1 billion litres.

THE NEW Zealand dollar's strength is throwing a dampener on heady days for beef.