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".

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

King Salmon passed an FMA sniff test despite only hinting at challenges in Sounds.

Fonterra is confident in its China strategy despite Beingmate Baby & Child saying losses for 2016 will be about double the previous forecast.

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.

Small businesses are upbeat about the year ahead, with confidence at its highest level in almost two years.

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

The chief executive of troubled baby formula maker Bellamy's is stepping down in the wake of its share price plunge.

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.

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

A2 Milk Co shares gained after the milk marketer played down fears about the infant formula market stemming from ASX-listed rival Bellamy's Australia's extended trading halt.

Prices at Fonterra's fortnightly GlobalDairyTrade auction have dipped slightly.

A company has been charged for allegedly claiming its bee pollen product was sourced from New Zealand when it actually came from China.

Terra Vitae and Craggy Range have posted stronger full-year profits on rising wine prices and a bountiful harvest.

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

New Zealand farm sales rose 7.4 per cent in the three months ended November 30.

The recent pick up in dairy prices back to profitable levels may take some time to flow through New Zealand's economy as farmers focus on paying down debt.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has warned revenue from the sector is likely to fall by 0.8 per cent in 2017 to $36.7 billion.

Fonterra has told investors in the cooperative's unit fund that it's critical the government continues driving regional and multi-lateral trade agreements.

Fonterra wants to lift its UHT sales in China through its flagship brand, Anchor.

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