The world is becoming a smaller place, with increased travel, tourism, trade and immigration. And because of that, New Zealand is at far greater risk of facing bio-security threats than ever before.

The last 12 months have been a real turning point for the industry. The end result is a greater level of  optimism than at Bragato a year ago.

It was the second largest Bragato conference held in the history of the event. Close to 600 people, including delegates and trade, converged on Marlborough for a conference that looked back at the past, in order to prepare for the future.

STORIES EMERGED last week at Stratford as the colourful history of the New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year competition unfolded during opening celebrations of the event’s 25th anniversary.

TARANAKI IS now a billion dollar milk producer, thanks mostly to small, well-managed farms, says DairyNZ chairman John Luxton.

FARMERS WERE initially wary of the Milk for Schools scheme because they thought it was charity, Fonterra’s chief executive Theo Spierings told Dairy News.

CALF REARING is not for the fainthearted. It is fraught with risk, hard work, aggravation and distress.

DAIRY TECHNOLOGY manufacturer Waikato Milking Systems will next month open the first stage of its new $12 million complex.

THE OPTIMISM about dairying fuelled by high milk prices is likely to prompt businesses to expand. While it is important that growth options are constantly evaluated, experience has taught me that new investment should only occur after careful consideration so an appropriate balance between growth and consolidation is maintained.

FONTERRA’S RECENT forecast of a record milksolids payout of $8.30 is great news for farmers.