ARE OUR primary industries and hence entire economy heading for a fall due to lack of science funding and capability? Quite possibly, judging by papers presented on the first day of last week’s New Zealand Grassland Association conference in Tauranga.

BEGA CHEESE has been given the green light by the competition watchdog to take over Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, but Canadian processor Saputo and Murray Goulburn are still waiting for approval.

FONTERRA FARMERS have been encouraged by their co-op chairman to assess board candidates for ‘world class governance’ skills.  Great exercise.  Do we ever assess our existing candidates for such? 

MAORI FARMING leader Kingi Smiler says it was a delightful surprise to win Federated Farmers’ Agribusiness Person of the Year award.

THE 2014 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are accepting entries in what is likely to be the most memorable awards competition to date says the national convenor Chris Keeping.

FERTILISER CO-OP Ravensdown has put together a team of consultants to advise farmers on environmental issues.

MYCOTOXINS – a group of compounds produced by fungi or mould – have a number of negative effects on the dairy cow, says visiting Canadian expert Professor Trevor Smith.

KUBOTA NEW Zealand is introducing a new level in sub-compact tractors – three models it says will keep all yard projects “in good hands”. 

A HIGHER awareness of preventing cow health issues is showing up in the equipment buying patterns of northern Australian dairy producers.

THE FORD Ranger was the most popular new ute last month, says Ford. It sold 497 Rangers, beating its nearest competitor by 84 vehicles.