FEDERATED FARMERS' new-season Farm Confidence Survey has moved into negative territory, with pessimists outnumbering optimists on prospects for the general economy and farm profitability.

While dairy prices continue to slide, beef and lamb prices are firming.

The outlook for beef prices remains strong despite the NZ high dollar.

AUSTRALIAN RED meat farmers have a new market information tool – a smartphone app.

UK SHEEP farmers are expecting a good season for domestically produced lamb, according to their industry-good organisation Eblex.

HAVING ALL animals on a farm growing at the same pace could result in big risks for drystock farmers, delegates at the final Finished in 20 Months beef seminar in Northland heard last month.

HEREFORD BREEDERS are enjoying a strong sale season and have reclaimed some market share against other beef breeds says PGG Wrightson national genetics manager Bruce Orr.

A SOFTENING in dairy farmer sentiment and rising interest rates have led overall New Zealand rural confidence to a significant slide in the past quarter.

SHEEP FARMERS have the opportunity to create momentum off the back of improving wool prices, says Sandra Faulkner, chairman of the Wool Levy Group.

Export lamb schedule prices increased last week, however this weeks short kill week will look to keep prices steady. Numbers on the line are enough to keep the shifts busy andthere is no real pressure on processors at this stage for serious competition.