UPPER CLUTHA A&P Show continues to grow, riding a wave of popularity built on good old-fashioned country fun.

EXPORT COMMODITY prices, already down 9% on a mid-2011 peak, are tipped to slip further in the coming months as Europe deteriorates and Asian growth slows, says Westpac's latest economic outlook report.

Federated Farmers is calling time on independent processors already receiving Fonterra milk.

Wool used to account for more than a quarter of New Zealand's export earnings – now it is less than 2%. But lamb, hogget and mutton are earning nearly $3 billion dollars a year for the country.