Any increase in farmer confidence comes from the dairy sector and even that is off a low base. That is one of Federated Farmers' conclusions from its 2012/13 Mid-Season Farm Confidence Survey.

Rabobank has welcomed the red meat sector collaboration between industry and government to enhance the long-term profitability of New Zealand's beef and lamb industries.

The Red Meat sector will get $32 million in PGP funding for a collaborative programme to push for the adoption of best practice by sheep and beef farmers.

UNFAVOURBALE WEATHER is piling further pressure on sheep farmers grappling with low lamb prices.

Lamb producers could learn from New Zealand tourism by targeting top-end Chinese markets, says Westpac economist Nathan Penny.

For the most part, 2013’s economic themes for the rural sector are looking generally positive.

The first bit of good news to emerge in 2013 is that the Ministry for Primary Industry is going to live up to its new name and to start taking a leadership role in the primary sector. Federated Farmers – and others – will be pleased to see MPI’s aiming to be a Ministry FOR, not OF Primary Industry.

Helping dairy women understand the ins and outs of purchasing stock is the focus of a series of practical workshops being held across the North and South Islands in February and March.

THE GLOBAL economic crisis is expected to knock $1.7 billion off the value of New Zealand's primary exports this season.

THE GLOBAL economic crisis is expected to knock $1.7 billion off the value of New Zealand's primary exports this season.