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.

AS FONTERRA’S Kauri factory in Northland kicked into gear on July 5, the cooperative was finishing off $100 million of maintenance upgrade nationwide.

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN breeders Wayne and Leeanne Taylor are humbled that their cow, Muritai Dalton Wattle EX 17*ET is the inaugural 2012 Valden cow of the year.

WILL TRADITIONAL wintering systems on crop be sustainable under nutrient loss limits?

WINTER IS traditionally a good time for planting trees as soil temperatures are low and the roots can more easily acclimatise to any new environment they’re planted in. So it’s timely to talk about how using trees to create shelterbelts on farms can provide a range of environmental, economic and animal welfare benefits.

WHAT BIGGER herds have taken away, technology may give back,  says Landcorp chief executive Chris Kelly.

The Fonterra Shareholders Council has elected Ian Brown as its chairman.

SHAUN CONNOR, farming near Shannon, Horowhenua, will later this week start the onerous task of calving. It’ll be a busy time for the 50/50 sharemilker calving the 240 cows on the 80ha farm.

A NEW 3-point linkage sprayer from Hardi allows the operator to stay in the tractor cab during spraying, and to expect less of the downtime sometimes suffered by booms during travel.

NEW ZEALAND is often referred to as the land of the long white cloud.