Federated Farmers told Environment Southland (ES) at an annual plan hearing their proposal to heap additional costs on to the region's dairy farmers, by increasing a rating differential on dairy land use, makes no sense.

Fonterra's forecast payout for the 2013/14 will significantly boost dairy farmers' spirits after a tough season impacted by the worst drought for 70 years, says DairyNZ.

Fonterra's opening forecast farmgate milk price is $7kg/MS for the 2013/14 season - up $1.20 on the current season.

Though it was a very chilly start to the day, the Canterbury region has managed to escape the worst of the first real winter blast for 2013, but with a high today of just five degrees, sale goers layered up to attend the Canterbury Park Sale.

The prime cattle market remains status quo, with not a large yarding and quality of medium condition. There were once again no steers to be seen, with only a few proper prime heifers on offer.

Farmgate prices for lamb have been heading higher in both islands over the last two weeks. Prices in the North Island are poised to break through the $5/kg mark.

Competition for cattle has resulted in more upward pressure on cattle prices over the last two weeks.

Fonterra and Sanitarium have welcomed the Government's support for their KickStart Breakfast programme.

Top players in agribusiness will get together the night before the Fieldays to discuss building export earnings from agribusiness innovation.

Fonterra Shareholders' Council chairman, Ian Brown, says farmers' take-up of the latest Fonterra Supply Offer shows they are beginning to take advantage of the flexibility Trading Among Farmers (TAF) offers them.

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