Sally Rae

The fine-wool industry has to continually lift its game as it faces increasing competition, New Zealand Merino Company chief executive John Brakenridge says.

A suggestion that supplier workshops organised by Silver Fern Farms contradict the ''openness and transparency'' that farmers are demanding in the red-meat industry has been strongly rejected by chief executive Keith Cooper.

Dairy prices soared to record levels in this week's GlobalDairyTrade auction as drought hits local milk production, and it is predicted total production could drop for the first time in five years.

It has been a big couple of days for central Hawkes Bay farmer Angus McPhail.

Robbie Gibson could well soon be the flashest-dressed farmer in Tarras.

Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group chairman Glenn Mead says the results of the latest research report on the organic sector are ''very encouraging''.

Waitahuna farmer Colin Lockhart is hoping to do one better in next year's Beef and Lamb New Zealand Golden Lamb Awards.

When Amanda Hasselman returned home to Glenorchy after attending a leadership skills programme in Wellington, she admits her brain was ''fizzing''.

It's not every day that you get an email from Claudia Schiffer's nanny.

Sheep and beef farmers have given the seal of approval to co-fund the $65 million Collaboration for Sustainable Growth red-meat sector initiative, paving the way for the programme to proceed.

Irrigation has resulted in a major transformation of the Hawea Flat area.

Farmers are being urged to form a united front when the future of the red meat industry is discussed in Gore next week.

After 10 years flying fixed-wing aircraft doing agricultural work, Alister Lister could see the industry was changing.

When Andrew Paterson visited a factory in the United States that turned his fine wool into socks, he came away feeling extremely positive about the future.

Sheep and beef farmers may be in for a tough time with profits predicted to halve this season as the full impact of lower lamb prices and widespread drought starts to hit home.

Prices surged in the GlobalDairyTrade auction this week, increasing 10.4% on a trade-weighted basis, as New Zealand's supply tightens rapidly, due to dry conditions.

Since winning the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award last year, Rose Voice's dog equipment business has gone from strength to strength.

Dry weather conditions will take their toll on the rural economy and economists are expressing concerns about their impact on GDP.