OPINION: Recently I spent a couple of days on the Macca's site at Fieldays.

Farmlands shareholders have re-elected sitting directors Dawn Sangster and Gray Baldwin for another three-year term.

Global demand is still strong for NZ protein and the outlook for meat is good despite the present turmoil in some key markets - especially China.

OPINION: There was an extra spring in the step of farmers at the Fieldays last week.

Dairy

Waikato farming leader Sam Lewis says he’s surprised and delighted at being made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and the community in the latest King’s Birthday Honours list.

The Government's decision to keep agriculture out of the New Zealand emissions trading scheme (ETS) has been roundly applauded by farmers.

Except for horticulture, New Zealand’s main primary exports – namely dairy, meat and wool and forestry - are in for a bumpy ride in the coming 12 months.

Goodbye and good riddance – that’s the reaction from Federated Farmers after the Government announced that it was disbanding industry group, He Waka Eke Noa.

Farmers groups are welcoming the Government’s decision to exempt agriculture from an Emissions Trade Scheme (ETS).