Life Sciences Network chair and former Federated Farmers president William Rolleston spoke at the Bluegreens Forum in Methven last week. Here are excerpts from his speech:

The cost of producing milk in New Zealand continues to compare favourably with other exporting regions despite a lift in production costs over the past five years.

DairyNZ says potential benefits from gene technology must be carefully weighed against the risks of such technology.

Two agritech companies have joined forces to help eliminate manual entry and save farmer time.

Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME, Deutz Fahr and Lamborghini tractor brands.

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at McKee Plastics, catching up with business development manager, Logan McKee.

Kiwifruit marketer Zespri says its kiwifruit has now reached more than 100 million households globally.

Vegetable grower NZ Hothouse Ltd has always been ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability, but new innovations are coming thick and fast.

OPINION: Submissions on the Government's contentious Gene Technology Bill have closed.

Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports into China following approval of its Levin and Mataura plants to supply that market. With its first load of beef from Levin clearing Chinese customs in early January and a shipment from Mataura recently arriving in China, journalist Leo Argent talked to Alliance general manager safety and processing Wayne Shaw.