FONTERRA IS the fourth-largest dairy company globally in Rabobank’s rankings released last week but the bank expects vigorous competition in the coming year as companies ‘jostle’ to position themselves for changing markets.

A NEW infant formula, made from New Zealand milk, has been launched in China.

With the official cash rate due out on Thursday, farmer confidence at the beginning of the 2012-13 season has plummeted in Federated Farmers latest farm confidence survey.

MEAT INDUSTRY Association chairman Bill Falconer says New Zealand’s future does not lie in feeding the masses.  Instead, our food sector should target the top end of traditional and emerging markets with value-added products. Our customers should be prepared to pay a premium for the best.

With trading in the EU/UK market difficult, NZ lamb exporters are actively looking for other markets to place product.

New Zealand beef and dairy farmers can now take part in a programme to produce high-value marbled beef for premium markets, both domestically and offshore.

Grey clouds still hang over the global economy, says Rabobank in its July Agribusiness review for New Zealand and Australia.

Quantec Ltd has signed a major deal to sell its patented milk protein ingredient – IDP - to Auckland-based NZ New Paradise.

It's the year of the dragon in China, a particularly auspicious time to have a baby. Someone who is destined to be self-assured, clever, generous and loyal.

The value of NZ exports have continued to fall from their peak in November 2011.