Achieving a merger of the two red meat co-operatives, let alone ''the big four'' companies, would take ''a great deal to work through'' to find an agreement that benefited all parties, Silver Fern Farms chairman Rob Hewett says.
West Coast dairy farmer Katie Milne was recently named Dairy Woman of the Year. She talks to agribusiness reporter Sally Rae.
Meet Dr Tony Hickey - science hero.
A forecast payout of $4.90-$5 is being touted as below break-even for many Fonterra suppliers, especially those worst affected by drought.
The challenge for dairy farmers will be working through their cashflow position for the coming season, DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says The industry body was concerned this season's low milk price, coupled with a low retrospective payment this winter - about a third of last year's - would see many farmers ''dip into the red'' this spring.
South Island sheep and beef farmers are facing a 20% drop in pre-tax profit this season, driven by decreased revenue from sheep, wool and cropping.
Five finalists have been named for this year's Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
When it came to the cute factor at the Upper Clutha A&P Show, it was hard to go past the Country Camp Cooker.
The Merriman name is closely linked with Australia's merino sheep industry.
They joke they could be Dunedin's answer to the Kardashian family.
As dry conditions continue in North Otago, a world-record canola crop harvested at Hilderthorpe has provided proof of the benefits of irrigation.
Alliance Group is keen to continue discussions with Meat Industry Excellence to ''better understand'' a report which suggested extensive plant rationalisation throughout New Zealand.
A revival in dairy prices has come to a halt with an 8.8% drop in this week's GlobalDairyTrade auction.
''Time is now of the essence'' when it comes to the future of New Zealand's red meat industry, Ross Hyland says.
Closing 13 sheep and six beef processing plants throughout New Zealand would result in savings of $215.5 million a year, international consultancy firm GHD has found.
Billions of dollars could be saved through red meat industry rationalisation and consolidation, a report commissioned by Meat Industry Excellence says.
Farmers affected by drought are mostly ''coping OK'', Otago Rural Support Trust co-ordinator Dave Mellish says.
Ask Rick Aubrey why he keeps dog trialling and the answer is succinct: ''Too old to play footy, aren't I?''
Creating a brand for New Zealand red meat that is verified as meeting fishable and swimmable water quality objectives is the mission of Food, Farms and Freshwater.
In late January, David Surveyor took over as chief executive of Alliance Group. He talks to agribusiness reporter Sally Rae about the new role.
