Covid restrictions in China are likely to slightly dampen milk powder imports into that country, according to Stefan Vogel, Rabobank research general manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Dairy goat farmers are facing a double whammy: a sharp drop in milk payout and reduced quota to supply the country's sole processor.

Successive drops in global dairy prices mean the next season's opening milk price forecast is being trimmed back.

A record milk payout for this season remains on the cards - but breaking the $10/kgMS ceiling will be a stretch.

New Zealand’s fledgling dairy goat industry is in turmoil.

According to Zespri, it will be supplying RubyRed to consumers in New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and China.

Zespri is expecting this year to be one of its most challenging seasons it has faced, thanks to the impact of Covid across the global supply chain.

A recent global report says the outlook for the NZ kiwifruit sector remains strong due to expanding kiwifruit consumption in Asia, the EU and the US.

In a Covid-constrained season, where many horticulturists are struggling with the lack of labour, family-run Mill Orchard - at Loburn, just north of Rangiora - is enjoying a great harvest.

Successive drops in the price of whole milk powder have prompted Fonterra to revise its forecast milk price for the season.