TRANSITIONING LIVESTOCK onto winter crops needs extra care this year where stock, especially pregnant ewes, are already in less than ideal condition due to drought.

Consumer research has revealed 72% of people in Asia see dairy as an important part of a balanced diet. However, the research also shows less than half of the 9000 people surveyed in nine countries are eating dairy on a daily basis.

A focus on relationships with some of China's leading dairy brands is earning accolades for Canterbury's Synlait Milk Ltd (Synlait).

Federated Farmers told Environment Southland (ES) at an annual plan hearing their proposal to heap additional costs on to the region's dairy farmers, by increasing a rating differential on dairy land use, makes no sense.

Westland Milk Products has announced a payout prediction for the 2013-14 season of $6.60 to $7kg/MS, an increase of 60 to 70 cents on the current season.

Fonterra's forecast payout for the 2013/14 will significantly boost dairy farmers' spirits after a tough season impacted by the worst drought for 70 years, says DairyNZ.

There was a time when the wineries in Marlborough could be counted on one hand. Everyone knew each other, and get togethers were common. These days the industry has grown so much, that it’s hard to fit all the winemakers, owners and viticulturists into one room, let alone know all their names. So this month we introduce you to four of our young guns you may not have met before.

Moving forward isn’t always about the future. Sometimes you need to look at the past  to be successful. Which is something Neil Pollett of the Green Bottle Project is adamantly aware of.

Matakana,   Ben Dugdale, chairman of the Matakana Winegrowers Association says the 2013 harvest was one of the easiest he has ever encountered in the region, with the exception of the ripening phase being relatively widely spaced apart.

Farmgate prices for lamb have been heading higher in both islands over the last two weeks. Prices in the North Island are poised to break through the $5/kg mark.