TWO CLUSTERS of TB infections on dairy farms in Taranaki this year are a reminder to farmers everywhere not to drop their guard on the disease, say industry representatives.

A dirty pipe at Fonterra's Hautapu factory in Waikato threatens to knock the co-op's infant formula business on the head.

Fonterra will this morning release more details of a food scare involving three batches of whey protein concentrate manufactured in New Zealand last year.

NIWA is forecasting a warm, early spring. Temperatures over the August to October period are "very likely" to be above average in the North Island regions and in the north of the South Island. They are "likely" to be average or above average in the east and west of the South Island.

The 2014 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards will take place in 11 regions, including a merged Southland/Otago region.

The 7000 bales of South Island wools on offer this week saw a slightly easier market overall with an 82% clearance, reports NZ Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson.

Fruit and berry grower Julian Raine has been elected president of Horticulture New Zealand.

On-farm recycling company Plasback says for the sixth year in a row the tonnage of plastic waste it collected has increased significantly, proving that voluntary product stewardship schemes can work.

Participating in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards inspired Ken and Janine Hames to step up environmental work on their Northland farm.

Murray Taggart has been appointed the new chairman of meat processor, Alliance Group Ltd.