The ongoing strains of the drought conditions in the Waikato and South Auckland are biting deeper, a teleconference yesterday of farmer representatives and officials has heard.

A Bay of Plenty kiwifruit orchard has posted a top orchard gate return based on its production of Hayward green in the 2013 season.

Farmers and businesses in the Hawkes Bay need to act quickly to fill the investment gap opportunity left by TrustPower's exit from the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme.

The financial year-end is near for farmers, but there is still time for them to manage profit levels in a way that could help avoid potential high interest penalties on tax payments, says Neil McAra, managing principal - Southland, for Crowe Horwath.

FARMERS in parts of Northland and the Waikato might want to start locking down any supplements they need to bring in off the farm before it gets used up in the rush say farmer advocates.

Independent dairy processor, Westland Milk Products is building a new $102 million nutritionals dryer at its Hokitika site.

A LOCALISED drought has been declared in western parts of Northland by local authorities and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says dry conditions in parts of Waikato and Northland remain a serious concern.

FONTERRA PLANS to spent up to an extra $500 million to increase capacity through its plants, with emerging market demand growing faster than expected, says chief executive Theo Spierings.

NEW ZEALAND leads the way in encouraging and recognising women's leadership in agriculture, says Dairy Women's Network chairwoman Michelle Wilson.

DAIRY FARMERS can now get their effluent system assessed by an independent, certified assessor.