Sally Rae

When it comes to chronicling New Zealand's agricultural history, much has been written about the role of shepherds and stockmen.

''They are our neighbours. We feel for them.''

The North Otago community is rallying to support the Stackhouse family following the recent slaughter of about 195 sheep on their Ngapara farm.

A fledgling industry is being developed in Otago-Southland with the development of a freshwater crayfish (koura) farming operation by forestry company Ernslaw One, as agribusiness business reporter Sally Rae reports.

Daily life in a shearing gang has struck a chord with New Zealand television viewers, leading to filming of the third series of Shearing Gang, which follows the men and women of Alexandra-based Peter Lyon Shearing and screens on Prime. Agribusiness reporter Sally Rae paid a visit to Ida Valley Station, in the heart of rural Central Otago, yesterday and met some of the ''stars'' involved.

Having worked in the dairy industries in both Africa and New Zealand, Justin Pigou says they are like ''chalk and cheese''.

When Cantabrian Andy Wells (28) moved south to farm near Clinton, he thought joining Young Farmers might be a good way to meet people.

Getting closer to consumers in very different cultures has become increasingly important for Silver Fern Farms.

When it comes to succeeding in the dairy industry, Maigan Jenkins believes passion is needed. 

Janet Gregory is passionate about both farming and the environment; a firm believer the two go ''hand-in-hand''.

Three diverse Southern businesses are among the entrants in this year's Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Women Awards. Agribusiness reporter Sally Rae finds out a little more about them.

''Encouraging without being spectacular'' was how New Zealand Merino Company commercial manager Keith Ovens described this week's wool sale in Melbourne.

Economists have signalled a milk price forecast as low as the mid-$4 range for the 2014-15 season after a flat result in this week's GlobalDairyTrade auction.

Falling global dairy prices will hit Fonterra's bottom line when it announces its financial results next week.

When it came to recruiting students at yesterday's Be Your Own Boss Expo in Dunedin, Geordi Dearns had a corny idea.

While changes to earthquake-strengthening rules caused controversy, Oakwood Properties director David Marsh sees them as an opportunity.