OPINION: Your old mate wonders how both Beef+Lamb NZ and DairyNZ are feeling about their 'wonderful relationship' with the Government following the announcement of a FTA deal with the EU.

Dairy New Zealand's milk collections fell by 6.5% for May 2022, the last month of the 2021/22 season.

With labour shortages a grim reality for many farmers across the country - and no end in sight - recruitment agencies have seen demand increase drastically.

Auckland-based biotechnology company Pictor Limited says it has been developing an accurate and affordable multiplexed diagnostic test for Johne's disease.

Former Trade Minister and trade negotiator Tim Groser says the outcome of the recent FTA with the EU is an obvious disappointment for NZ's red meat and dairy sectors.

Golden Bay dairy farmer Wayne Langford says he's looking forward to serving farmers in his new role as Federated Farmers vice president.

Claims that NZ should have walked away from the EU FTA talks because the deal on beef and dairy was not up to expectations has been dismissed by government ministers, officials and some commentators.

The European Union's ambassador to NZ says it has gone the extra mile to open up its market by signing a free trade agreement with NZ.

Fonterra director Donna Smit has announced her retirement from the co-operative board.

With calving fast approaching, dairy farmers and calf readers are planning for the busy months ahead. But NZAgbiz suggests that planning for long term productivity and profitable returns is about much more than preparing to cope with the demands of the season.