New Zealand's farm and forestry exports are bouncing back in the wake of the global recession, agricultural economists say.

NZX-listed meat processor Affco is the target of a full takeover bid by its largest shareholder, Talley's Group.

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

A new survey has shown an increase in the number of people who think free trade agreements will impact positively from 74 per cent in 2008 to 78 per cent.

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

Chris Knight (L) and Mike Cao, sausage makers at Janssen's Continental in Browns Bay, show off their gold medal-winning bangers.

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.

Meat cooperative Silver Fern Farms has reported a 16 per cent rise in full year net profit to $43.6 million, but says conditions were difficult.