FEDERATED FARMERS says Fonterra's recall of fresh cream shows its quality assurance systems work.

DAIRY TECHNOLOGY designer and manufacturer, Waikato Milking Systems, is looking forward to a productive 2014, with new trade opportunities opening up.

A WELL-RESPECTED Tararua sheep and beef unit sold in late December for $6.75 million, setting a new benchmark for farms of similar scale and quality, says the property's selling agent.

A MINISTRY for Primary Industry report released today says veterinary and horticultural antibiotic use appears to be dropping.

FEDERATED FARMERS has put "three broad options" to its members on meat industry reform in a paper to be publicly released in the New Year.

DNA SEQUENCING has identified another genetic flaw in dairy cattle, this time coming from the Jersey side of the industry.

FARM SALES WERE up 47.3% (133 farms) for the three months ending November 2013, compared to the same period in the previous year, says the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND FARMER confidence has continued to edge higher, with the latest quarterly Rabobank survey showing more than half of the country's farmers are looking forward to a 'happy new year' in 2014.

FARM SALES WERE up 47.3% (133 farms) for the three months ending November 2013, compared to the same period in the previous year, says the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).

FONTERRA'S DEVIATION from the milk price manual will be looked at by the Commerce Commission this year.