Neal Wallace

The country's largest dairy exporter has welcomed the pending launch by the New Zealand Stock Exchange of a dairy futures market, saying it wants such a risk management tool.

The rapid recovery in international food prices could have unintended consequences, with fears input costs could rise sharply and some products may face a price correction.

The New Zealand Stock Exchange expects to launch its first dairy futures market in June, initially offering whole milk powder contracts but eventually extending it to other dairy products.

Dunedin's sister city relationship with Shanghai will ensure city and business representatives get preferential treatment at the Shanghai World Expo, which opens in May.

Dunedin energy users could be early beneficiaries of the Government's electricity reforms, with news yesterday Genesis Energy is entering the market.

They could be accused by farmers of overoptimism, but farming leaders remain upbeat about the future of red meat production, while warning that investment was needed in marketing and markets diversified.

A remote corner of Otago high country will be opened to the public next month when Federated Farmers hosts a field day in the Nevis Valley.

The unanimous decision of a major United States flooring retail chain to stock New Zealand wool carpets has prompted an exporter to question why such opportunities have previously been lost.

A new genetic product, or SNP Chip, aimed at assisting sheep breeders and Angus beef breeders with molecular breeding values, has been launched in the United States and will be available in New Zealand later this year.

Andy West has regularly championed the value of science in agriculture, and leaves his position as chief executive of AgResearch with some business unfinished.