Sheep numbers have continued to fall, dairy cow numbers are rising and grain crops increased markedly, latest agricultural production figures show.

A free trade deal with the highly protected Indian economy could mean big things for New Zealand agriculture exporters.

Most industry groups welcomed the Government's announcement today that it will make a livestock tracing scheme compulsory - and pay for it.

A farmers' group in the Waikato has given warning that an $824m pylon project due to start next month may lead to standoffs with Transpower.

Fonterra has raised about $270 million from its farmer shareholders.

Carter Holt Harvey is putting 29 dairy farms on the market, asking $224.5 million in the biggest single offering of farm land seen in NZ.

The Govt has discussed intervening on large-scale proposals to farm cows in cubicles, as pressure grows from critics labelling it "factory farming".

The Government is keeping close watch on the "big dry" in many regions and will consider drought assistance if conditions worsen, Agriculture Minister David Carter says.

Organic food can now properly be considered an essential rather than a luxury, says the owner of an expanding chain of organic grocery stores.

Independent columnist Amy Jenkins on why she plans to cut down her meat and dairy intake this year.

The science going on at AgResearch's new farm at Tokanui may help New Zealand's dairy farms run in a more sustainable fashion.