Fonterra says it has set a new export record, sending 2.1 million tonnes of product to market for the first time in its nine-year history.

Tony Bouchier says his phone has been ringing red hot with support for a campaign to stop NZ farms being sold overseas.

A nationwide campaign starting today wants to immediately halt sales of NZ farms to foreigners until there has been a robust public debate.

Dairy giant Fonterra is holding to a forecast payout potentially worth billions as international prices shows signs of strengthening later in the season.

Fonterra has announced it will not be changing its farmer payout forecast, saying world dairy prices should improve later this year.

The National Party has received $200,000 from a wealthy Chinese NZ couple linked to the Crafar farms bid.

The Govt is putting up $144.1m into two initiatives worth $321m over seven years to boost productivity and new products for the dairy and red meat sectors.

Natural Dairy, the Chinese backed company bidding for the Crafar dairy empire, has turned to newspaper advertising to push its case.

Farmers are working furiously to pump out flooded pastures as they prepare for more rain on top of the weekend's deluge.

In Auckland backyards, chooks have become the ultimate in free-range, recessionary accessories. James Russell takes a peek over the fence.

PGG Wrightson, New Zealand's biggest rural services group has returned to profit after impairments in the previous year.

Federated Farmers says fast, reliable broadband access is necessary if agri-business is to reach its productive potential. Simon Hendery reports.

NZ Farming Systems Uruguay said it disagrees with assertions made by Olam International and urged shareholders not to sell into the takeover offer yet.

The motives behind Chinese land investment.

Russia last week banned grain exports for the rest of the year after a severe drought and wildfires destroyed 20 per cent of its wheat crop.