New Zealand's rural contracting industry contributed almost a billion dollars to the country's economy last year, according to recently published research.

DAIRY TECHNOLOGY designer and manufacturer, Waikato Milking Systems, is looking forward to a productive 2014, with new trade opportunities opening up.

A WELL-RESPECTED Tararua sheep and beef unit sold in late December for $6.75 million, setting a new benchmark for farms of similar scale and quality, says the property's selling agent.

TWO NEW FARMER directors will join the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Board after the annual meeting in Feilding on March 14.

THE RABOBANK GLOBAL cattle price index has risen by 6% since June, driven by lower-than-expected beef supply in the main exporting countries and strong Asian demand.

A MINISTRY for Primary Industry report released today says veterinary and horticultural antibiotic use appears to be dropping.

SUPPLIERS TO Hawkes Bay-based Lean Meats' Atkins Ranch Producer Group are set to get a $3.89 per lamb Christmas present in the last week of December.

DNA SEQUENCING has identified another genetic flaw in dairy cattle, this time coming from the Jersey side of the industry.

NEW ZEALAND FARMER confidence has continued to edge higher, with the latest quarterly Rabobank survey showing more than half of the country's farmers are looking forward to a 'happy new year' in 2014.

THE COMMERCE Commission's decision to issue legal proceedings against three major banks over their sales of interest rate swap contracts to rural customers is great news, says Damien O'Connor, Labour spokesperson for Primary Industries.