Rural services firm Allied Farmers said profit fell in its first half because of a decline in calf processing sales.

Dairy prices have lifted 1.3 per cent at Fonterra's GlobalDairyTrade auction, with the important whole milk powder price up 1 per cent.

The price of whole milk powder, New Zealand's key commodity export, is likely to decline on the GlobalDairyTrade platform overnight.

Rabobank says 2017 will usher in a period of considerable change and uncertainty for New Zealand agriculture.

New Zealand lamb wool, which was trading at a record high last season, has slumped by more than 50 per cent at recent auctions.

A ship carrying 4500 dairy cows has begun its journey to China after being cleared by authorities.

After a third year of growing the South American grain quinoa in the Moawhango Valley, plans are underway to begin selling it labelled "Kiwi Quinoa".

Farmers needed serious rain - up to 100mm - but there was none on the horizon and soil moisture levels across Northland were extremely low.

NZ Premium Whitebait plans to ramp up production for exports after a first successful harvest.

Beingmate said its revenue and profitability showed a slight improvement but annual losses had become "more significant than previously expected".

Glass bottled, pasteurised full-cream milk "straight from the vat" is making a comeback.

New Zealand's most often quoted statistic - the sheep to people ratio - has taken another hit, according to Statistics NZ.

Whole milk powder prices failed to live up to expectations by registering a slight fall at the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction.

Dairy product prices inched higher at the Global Dairy Trade auction, stemming two consecutive declines.

Returns from New Zealand's lamb exports may be restrained by the kiwi's strength against the British pound.

It's a classic clash between urban growth and farmers.

Northland farmers are facing drier than normal conditions.

Wool prices at this week's auction fell, particularly for varieties sourced from the North Island.

Exporters look likely to benefit from a weaker New Zealand dollar this year.

Trade officials have signalled that Donald Trump will take aggressive steps to boost exports.

Dairy product prices fell at the Global Dairy Trade auction, sliding for a second consecutive auction.

COMMENT: Farming does not get the public attention is deserves.

John Luxton, former Dairy NZ chairman and one-time minister of agriculture, says his honour is for his fellow farmers.

Justine Kidd, managing director of Hawke's Bay-based farmers collective Kitahi, has been honoured for her services to the dairy industry and equestrian sport.

Southland beef breeder Laurie Paterson has been acknowledged in the New Year Honours for his long and innovative career.

All going well, the milk price could be revised up to $6.50/kg next year, economists say.

COMMENT: As we head into another sweltering Kiwi summer, the water quality of our lakes, rivers and streams will continue to disappoint and enrage.

Dairy farmers face a brighter future after a big rebound in prices.

Lewis Road Creamery is "delighted" to have resolved a complaint with Fonterra.

New Zealand milk collection fell 5.7% in first half due to unfavourable weather.