AS A tropical storm raged outside, speakers at the launch of Fonterra's Milk for Schools scheme last Monday paid tribute to the dairy farmers making it possible.

RURAL COMMUNITIES will be better represented on local councils as part of a major reform package announced last week by former Local Government Minister Nick Smith.

FONTERRA IS helping flood-affected suppliers in NSW and Victoria, offering interest-free advances and on-farm advice.

THE PARLIAMENTARY Commissioner for Environment, Jan Wright, must be congratulated for her latest report on water quality.

THE 2012 Waikato Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Barry and Nicky McTamney, take the next step in their dairy farming career in June when they enter an equity partnership.

JERSEY NEW ZEALAND, releasing its 2012 Jersey Genes team, says this year's young Jersey sires are "unparalleled".

THE WINNERS of the 2012 Bay of Plenty Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Richard and Amy Fowler, thrive on diversity.

A new property and bigger pasture and herd sizes are challenging Norsewood dairy farmers Craig and Brenda Blatchford.

FARMERS LOOKING for an autumn crop should try to match the crop to the season, says Agricom product development specialist Allister Moorhead.

FACIAL ECZEMA has always been a risk for dairy replacements but over many years in most regions of the North Island, where the disease has been significant, lack of liveweight gain can be associated with FE.