Gold kiwifruit continues to dominate fruit exports in an otherwise challenging market, according to recent Stats NZ figures.

The apple industry needs to work hard to get more New Zealanders to work on orchards to replace the backpackers that, until Covid, provided a significant proportion of the sector's workforce.

Farm costs are rising rapidly and farmers are being urged to manage cows, staff and finance efficiently to stay profitable.

New Zealand's primary sector will crack the $50 billion mark in export earnings this year with the horticulture sector playing its part, according to MPI projections.

The ambitious goals of each of the primary sectors have come together in the past year to produce an outstanding result.

While many around the country are embarking on their annual Christmas break, it will be business as usual for the country's second largest milk processor.

The Australian Trucking Association is flashing its headlights to warn of a worsening situation with supplies of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) throughout the country.

Strong financial management, grazing management and people management skills will help dairy farmers buffer rising input costs and produce milk more efficiently.

Global shortages of AdBlue, the diesel exhaust fluid used in trucks to meet New Zealand's strict anti-pollution standards, could bring the domestic transport industry to a standstill.

New Zealand's livestock export trade sector is scrambling to fight off government plans to permanently ban the practice.