IAN PROUDFOOT’S article in the last Dairy News ((May 28) deserves a response, particularly as his claims on biosecurity funding cuts are completely wrong.

HONDA’S BIG TRX500 had dropped off our radar recently, with a wave of large capacity imports taking more of the quad limelight.

ONE OF the world’s biggest dairy companies has broken ground on a site for a factory in the South Island.

The Canterbury A&P Association's Stud Ram & Ewe Fair, held Wednesday and Thursday, January 9-10, produced a quality line up of 235 rams and 18 ewes.

While the 2012/13 season will be tough for farmers, Federated Farmers believes it is not as dire as some commentators say.

Wool prices were firm to slightly easier overall at the North Island wool sale this week. The NZ Wool Services International Coarse Crossbred market indicator was down 4c to $3.74/kg and the Fine Crossbred market indicator eased by 6c to $4.47/kg.

Wool prices were firmer overall at this week's South Island wool sale. NZ Wool Services International Coarse Crossbred market indicator was up 4c to $3.62/kg.

Fonterra has gained Commerce Commission clearance to acquire the dairy processing assets of New Zealand Dairies Limited (in receivership). New Zealand Dairies processes raw milk at its Studholme factory near Waimate. "Comparing the acquisition by Fonterra to the scenario where another bidder would acquire NZDL's assets, the commission is satisfied that the acquisition would not be likely to result in a substantial lessening of competition," says Commerce Commission chair Dr Mark Berry.

OTAUTAU CONTRACTOR John Wild knew the saying ‘buy your last plough first’.

Crossbred wool prices at this week's wool auction in the South Island continued to show some stability which is a welcome change for growers.