Federated Farmers has re-elected the heads of its dairy and meat and fibre groups for another term.

WHEN FARMER Henry Schipper’s vet rung him earlier this year with a proposal to try a new plant extract on his pasture, he agreed as there was “nothing to lose”.

A FARM owned by Fonterra director Colin Armer has copped a $72,000 fine for unlawful discharge of effluent.

More than 30,000 farmers have signed up for the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme for cattle and deer ahead of the mandatory implementation for cattle on July 1.

Parts of coastal Rangitikei are reaping the rewards of the Animal Health Board's (AHB) moves to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) from New Zealand.

There are signs the dairy market could be stabilising. At the recent global dairy trade auction, prices somewhat maintained the sharp gains made in the prior auction.

A MERE 0.5% drop in overall prices in last week’s GlobalDairyTrade auction is being hailed as a good result by commentators given the previous sale’s 13% price jump and continued economic uncertainties.

FONTERRA’S ACQUISITION of South Canterbury processor NZDL was last week (as Dairy News went to press) still far from a done deal, awaiting Commerce Commission clearance and confirmation that suppliers are on board.

DISAFFECTED FARMER Allan Crafar says bankers have driven his family out of the dairy industry.

DANISH CO-OP Arla Foods has signalled its intentions in China by signing deals with two leading dairy industry companies.