The latest survey of farmer confidence from Federated Farmers does not make pretty reading, says BNZ senior economic Doug Steel.

But it's not all doom and gloom.

OPINION: If you borrow money from the bank, it holds a grip (‘death pledge’) over you.

Economists are still sticking to a 2019/20 season forecast of around $7/kgMS despite the 3.8% drop in the Global Dairy Trade overall price index last week.

Was last week’s 3.4% drop in the Global Dairy Trade overall price index a warning sign or a temporary dip? Economists are divided.

The Global Dairy Trade (GDT) price index rose just 0.4% last week, but positive indicators will maintain market optimism for the new season, says BNZ senior economist Doug Steel.

The rural property market is lacking ‘zing’ despite high primary product prices and low interest rates, says BNZ’s agribusiness report Rural Wrap.

The farmgate milk price could possibly rise beyond $7/kgMS in the 2019-20 season.

Dairy prices extended and quickened their ascent at last week’s GDT auction and were stronger than anticipated, says BNZ senior economist Doug Steel.

Strong milk production in New Zealand is putting downward pressure on global dairy prices.

China's market share of NZ’s primary exports is material and raises the issue of concentration risk, says BNZ rural economist Doug Steel.