The end of the year is fast approaching so some end of year thoughts on a few of the significant developments of the year to wrap things up!

Zespri's December forecast shows steady per-hectare returns for all categories as fruit volumes rise strongly.

Fonterra today maintained a forecast farmgate milk price of $4.60/kgMS.

The world's biggest cloning factory being built in Tianjin, China, will begin cloning cattle in seven months.

The West Coast is a challenging place to live and farm. High rainfall is a feature of the region and it has always struggled to develop a strong economic base. Isolation is another issue.

The recent slowdown in Chinese demand for live dairy heifers has many NZ exporters and traders questioning if the boom period is over.

A versatile and stylish South Island selection on offer this week saw most types well supported, despite a slightly firmer NZ dollar, says NZ Wool Services International's chief executive John Dawson.

Chinese scientists have signed a deal to set up a commercial animal cloning centre in the northern port city of Tianjin.

Wools of NZ (WNZ) hopes to determine by March next year the commercial viability of new technologies for improved whiteness and dyeing of strong wool, says chief executive Rosstan Mazey.

New Zealand Wool Services International's chief executive John Dawson says the North Island auction received mixed support with the stronger NZ dollar having a limited impact in some areas.