A new animal proteins analyst for New Zealand, Matt Costello, has been appointed to Rabobank's Food and Agribusiness Research & Advisory division.

The combined North and South Island Wool Auction comprising 13,900 bales saw a 90% clearance despite a firmer NZ dollar, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.

Education support manager at Taratahi, Steve Hannam, was invited to speak at the International Conference on Community Colleges in India at the beginning of February.

THE OUTLOOK for lamb right now is tenuous, according to Beef + Lamb NZ chairman Mike Petersen.

The combined North and South Island Wool auction comprising 15,300 bales saw some variation in price levels between types and selling centres compared to last sale on January 31, however overall the market generally steadied, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.

Prices were generally lower for most categories when 19,700 bales went offer from this week's combined North and South Island auction which saw an 80% clearance, NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.

The Alliance Group is now supplying Pure South beef, venison and lamb to a restaurant in Singapore's iconic waterfront precinct.

DANISH DAIRY cooperative Arla Foods is ditching expansion plans in Europe and increasing its focus on China, Russia and Africa/Middle East.

Lamb producers could learn from New Zealand tourism by targeting top-end Chinese markets, says Westpac economist Nathan Penny.

For the most part, 2013’s economic themes for the rural sector are looking generally positive.