PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Minister Nathan Guy says rural communities have bounced back strongly after this year's drought, with the official declaration ending today (September 30).

GREENHOUSE GAS emissions by the livestock sector could be cut by as much as 30% through the wider use of existing best practices and technologies, according to a new study released today by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

FEDERATED FARMERS is watching with interest the first release of 500 dung beetles onto an organic dairy farm in Southland.

THE FONTERRA Shareholders' Council says the final payout of $6.16 ($5.84 farmgate milk price and 32c dividend) for a fully shared-up farmer was an accurate reflection of the season.

THE NEW ZEALAND pork industry congratulates the Ministry for Primary Industries on successfully shutting down an alleged illegal meat trading operation in South Auckland.

Listed Dairy processor Synlait Milk has announced an $11.5 million net profit for the year ending July 31, 2013, an increase of $7.1m on the previous year.

SMALL AND medium-size infant formula makers are each losing up to $2 million a week in China as consumer confidence erodes following the false Fonterra botulism scare.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Trust has a new chair- Mid-Canterbury dairy farmer and DairyNZ director Alister Body.

THE INCOMING Coalition Government in Australia intends to revitalise free trade negotiations in key markets.

ADVERSITY MAKES you struggle, so think and look for answers, say horticulture industry pioneers and innovators Fay and Joe Gock.