YOUNG FARMERS around the country are dusting off their red bands and sharpening their toolkits as the 2015 season of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest begins with District Finals this weekend.

THE EAST of the North Island could be warmer than usual through October–December and the southwest and east of the South Island may be cooler, says NIWA.

THE NORTH Island sale saw wool prices continue their upward trend, New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's general manager, John Dawson reports.

ALL THE SIGNS suggest a prolonged period of low international dairy prices will be required to soak up the current global market surplus, says Rabobank in its latest Dairy Quarterly report.

TATUA MEMBERS of Federated Farmers are welcoming an all time record payout by a New Zealand milk processor at $9 per kilogram of milk solids (kg/MS) for the 2013/14 season.

FONTERRA IS boosting its connectivity to farmers through the Farm Source programme which will support farmers and their farming businesses and bolster the cooperative's connection with rural communities in New Zealand.

THE 2014 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year, Ruth Hone, says the awards provide opportunities for those that apply themselves.

LIC HAS launched an app that allows farmers to record key mating events from a mobile device.

SPRING IS a key time for fertilising pasture and farmers need to take a considered approach to help protect the environment and their profits.

MASSEY FERGUSON says its new MF 9407S telescopic handler specifically suits farming.