New research showing how efforts to keep pests out of countries are failing to keep up with the pace of globalisation means New Zealand must be more vigilant than ever, a biosecurity expert says.

It might sound like something straight out of the 2006 horror comedy Black Sheep, but woolly mutants are leading our scientists toward intriguing discoveries - and innovative new products.

New Zealand agriculture faces a "moment of truth" in 2017, according to a report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.

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

Space-generated data will create more efficient irrigation and maximise crop yields, potentially saving farmers thousands of dollars, Alexandra farmer Gary Kelliher says.

Thanks to some rainfall in the region last week, some irrigation bans have been lifted.

The build-up to the 2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships begins in earnest this week.

Prices continued their downward trend at last week's South Island wool sale.

"Imagine the biggest roller coaster in the world and being on it." That is how World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships organising

Malcolm Lumsden was recently stopped by a lady pronouncing that "I was one of those irresponsible farmers who allowed their cows to 'pee and poo' everywhere resulting in our rivers all being polluted"

A fifty-year-old fitness fanatic has revealed the secret to her youthful physique and rock hard abs.

The owner of a Waikato-based pet food company accused of abusing bobby calves will face trial by jury. Alan Martyn Cleaver, 57

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

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.

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

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

A Lord of the Rings actor who now works as a tour guide operator has slammed New Zealand's "clean, green" image.

Invercargill based Alliance Group says chefs and restaurants have offered favourable feedback on its new class of lamb.

A fifth of share milkers who responded to a Federated Farmers survey said they were coming under pressure from their bank on their

More than a third of Kiwi farmers have been a victim of theft in the last two years, a recent survey has revealed.

Fonterra has told shareholders that the indicative payout level this season will be $6.40 per kilogram of milk solids.

Grape growers are hoping highlighting the location of vineyards around the district will minimise the threat of multimillion-dollar

South Island police are investigating the incident that occurred at the Paringa Salmon Farm Café, South Westland.

"To make the Waikato River swimmable for its full length, in 80 years, will cost a large amount of money", writes Dr Doug Edmeades

Advances in whole milk powder prices at recent GlobalDairyTrade auctions is bolstering the outlook for New Zealand's largest export commodity.

This baby formula company was a share market darling, riding the wave of a Chinese boom in demand. But the party's over.

From Monday milk tankers and other essential freight will be given access in and out of Kaikoura.

Whole milk powder futures for December last traded at US$3,480 a tonne, a 2.1 per cent premium to their previous GDT level.