A GOOD WINTER and a favourable weather outlook for spring have boosted confidence across the New Zealand beef industry, particularly after the drought, says Rabobank.

SYNLAIT MILK has helped the local Volunteer Fire Brigade in Dunsandel by funding a new emergency response vehicle that will support the community.

CANTERBURY MILK nutrition company Synlait Milk is supportive of the investment by AgResearch in its campus infrastructure.

ALLIANCE GROUP will launch a new season programme exporting Pure South lamb to Brazil – the world's sixth largest economy and hosts of the 2016 Olympics - following a successful trial last year.

WAIKATO DAIRY processor Tatua's payout for the 2012-13 season is $7.40/kgMS, described as "stunning" by a Federated Farmers member and Tatua shareholder.

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Minister Nathan Guy says rural communities have bounced back strongly after this year's drought, with the official declaration ending today (September 30).

GREENHOUSE GAS emissions by the livestock sector could be cut by as much as 30% through the wider use of existing best practices and technologies, according to a new study released today by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

FEDERATED FARMERS is watching with interest the first release of 500 dung beetles onto an organic dairy farm in Southland.

THE FONTERRA Shareholders' Council says the final payout of $6.16 ($5.84 farmgate milk price and 32c dividend) for a fully shared-up farmer was an accurate reflection of the season.

THE NEW ZEALAND pork industry congratulates the Ministry for Primary Industries on successfully shutting down an alleged illegal meat trading operation in South Auckland.