A LOCALISED drought has been declared in western parts of Northland by local authorities and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says dry conditions in parts of Waikato and Northland remain a serious concern.

FONTERRA PLANS to spent up to an extra $500 million to increase capacity through its plants, with emerging market demand growing faster than expected, says chief executive Theo Spierings.

NEW ZEALAND leads the way in encouraging and recognising women's leadership in agriculture, says Dairy Women's Network chairwoman Michelle Wilson.

DAIRY FARMERS can now get their effluent system assessed by an independent, certified assessor.

ROTORUA DAIRY farmer Chris Paterson was named the Dairy Women's Network (DWN) 2014 Dairy Community Leadership Award winner at its annual conference in Hamilton this week.

NORTHLAND DAIRY farmer and chartered accountant Charmaine O'Shea has been named Dairy Woman of the Year.

SHEEP AND beef farmers have supported all farmer remits and resolutions put to the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Annual Meeting, held in Feilding last Friday (March 14), including funding the Meat Industry Excellence Group.

NEW ZEALAND leads the way in encouraging and recognising women's leadership in agriculture, says Dairy Women's Network chairwoman Michelle Wilson. 

NORTHLAND AND WAIKATO are being warned of heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges  – but Cyclone Lusi may be welcomed by farmers, says a Civil Defence spokesman.

DAIRYNZ CHIEF scientist Dr Eric Hillerton will step down in July. He will remain involved in New Zealand through various dairy farming projects.