The Hound reckons former agriculture minister and speaker of the House David Carter is heeding calls for him to get out of the political game.

DAVID CARTER says his greatest achievement during four years as Minister for Primary Industry was bringing his cabinet and caucus colleagues to greater awareness of the importance of the agricultural sector to the country’s economy.

Federated Farmers has welcomed David Carter being promoted Speaker of the House and Nathan Guy taking over as the Minister for Primary Industries.

Amendments to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill have passed its third and final reading in Parliament.

Primary Industries Minister David Carter is representing New Zealand at the APEC Food Security Ministerial meeting in Russia this week. He will also travel to the US for a round of high level agriculture meetings.

Primary Industries Minister David Carter has praised the primary industry chief executives' animal welfare forum for its contribution to livestock welfare.