THE COMBINED NORTH and South Island wool auction of 15,100 bales saw an overall firming trend with a 90.7% clearance, says NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.

MIKE JOY USED to manage a dairy farm near Palmerston North many years ago and loved the job. 

THE DEMAND FOR dairy products in China is unprecedented and Australian milk producers have been told they should grab the opportunity with both hands.

ALMOST ALL wool types increased in value this week at the combined wool auction, Wool Services International reports.

THE VALUE of New Zealand's forestry-product exports has more than doubled in the last 20 years, Statistics New Zealand says.

DAIRY TECHNOLOGY designer and manufacturer, Waikato Milking Systems, is looking forward to a productive 2014, with new trade opportunities opening up.

THE 12,500 BALES of North Island wool on offer this week generally lifted to come into line with South Island levels. There was a 93% clearance rate, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson, says.

THE RABOBANK GLOBAL cattle price index has risen by 6% since June, driven by lower-than-expected beef supply in the main exporting countries and strong Asian demand.

SUPPLIERS TO Hawkes Bay-based Lean Meats' Atkins Ranch Producer Group are set to get a $3.89 per lamb Christmas present in the last week of December.

HOKITIKA-BASED cooperative Westland Milk Products has lifted its payout forecast for the current season 30c to a range of $7.90-8.30/kg milksolids.