The 7,500 bales of North Island wools on offer this week saw a 97% clearance and a generally dearer market, reports NZWSI marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.

The saying goes “the only good thing to come out of Birmingham (UK) is the M6 motorway”, but just a few miles down the road in the heart of the Industrial Revolution, is Solihull, the home of the Land Rover.

In the last two weeks I’ve had the good fortune to catch up with hundreds of farmers nationwide as they’ve turned out to see what Beef + Lamb New Zealand is planning in the next six year levy cycle.

US beef and pork producers are bemoaning their lack of access to the huge Chinese market.

Zespri is doing more business with Japan this season than ever before, says Dave Courtney, general manager, grower and external relations.

New Zealand and South Korean scientists say they will soon be able to identify the compounds that give deer antler velvet its immunity-boosting properties. 

New Zealand's second largest dairy company is reporting increased activity from the market following the August 19 GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) auction.

CP Wool is enjoying strong growth, with an increase in market share, says its new chairman, South Otago farmer Howie Gardner.

Lack of confidence in global markets and a weakening New Zealand dollar may have affected the latest South Island wool auction, says NZWSI.

Roger and Sarah Smith returned from China to New Zealand in 2012 to take up a 150 cow, 50:50 sharemilking contract near Pukekohe.