Pam has saved the season on many North Island dairy farms but the cyclone’s soak failed to reach the south where some areas are still desperately dry, despite dribs and drabs of rain in recent weeks.

There is a limit to what farmers can do to improve security on their farms, says Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard.

The Ministry of Primary Industries’ own tests and controls of raw milk safety on farms overlay those of the dairy companies, but the ministry works also with the companies.

Farmers are hoping last week’s big drop in the GDT price index is just a blip, says Federated Farmers Waikato president Chris Lewis.

Fonterra has made a u-turn on its organic business, on the back of growing global demand, lifting its premium to certified organic dairy farmers by 45 cents to $1.50/kgMS.

Kelvin and Heather McKay say it was a natural progression for them to take out the 2015 West Coast/Top of the South Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title.

A new dairy industry workplace accord will be launched in May as part of a range of industry actions aimed at helping farmers attract and retain skilled people to work on farms.

A senior Federated Farmers leader has poured cold water on suggestions that he supports a moratorium on dairy conversions.

Federated Farmers say the 8.8% drop in the Global Dairy Trade yesterday will be disappointing to New Zealand dairy farmers but it is important not to jump to conclusions.

The Dairy Women’s Network named Katie Milne as the 2015 Dairy Woman of the Year at last night’s conference gala dinner in Invercargill.