Farmers' economic confidence improved in the first months of 2010, boosted by sheep and beef prices.

AgResearch says it has several international companies interested in commercially producing its stab and flame-resistant wool fabric.

Rising dairy prices continue to underpin gains in the ANZ Commodity Price Index, which has recorded its seventh straight monthly gain last month.

New Zealand bio-security and food safety authorities moved proactively this morning to announce the discovery of a brain disease that affects sheep.