New zealand beef export returns reached a record high, exceeding lamb and mutton returns for the first time in 20 years in the season ending September 30, analysis by Beef + Lamb New Zealand's economic service shows.

Contrary to popular belief it's United States investors, not Chinese, who were the biggest buyers of our dairy land during 2013-2014.

Fonterra has been notified that rating agency Standard and Poor's has downgraded the co-op's credit rating from A to A-.

Silver Fern Farms shareholders have approved the joint venture with Chinese company Shanghai Maling.

NZ Wool Services International Limited's CEO John Dawson says the strengthening dollar and low overseas interest saw most types ease for the 5,100 bales of North Island wool on offer this week.

About 100 Silver Fern Farm shareholders have turned up for the company's special meeting in Dunedin.

As All Blacks coach Steve Hansen would say, a win is a win, albeit an unconvincing one with plenty of room for improvement.

Finland dairy co-op Valio is taking its lactose-free milk to global consumers.

China will soon have 200 million people with chronic illnesses and it will demand food with health benefits, said Paul McDonald, pro vice-chancellor at Massey College of Health.

MIE chairman Peter McDonald says the Silver Fern Farm (SFF) deal may be the last decision of significance that shareholders get to vote on.