New Zealand-Good News for farmers.

BETTER TIMES AHEAD.

Economists in the rural sector have published a new report in New Zealand, claiming that farmers can expect strong increases in prices of stock at the farm gate for beef and lamb within a few months.

Lamb prices for 2009 are expected to jump by 38% and beef prices by 11%.

Economist Rod Davies, said in his report that farm revenue for the country will rise fron NZ$4.4 billion o $5 billion.

Meat and Wool New Zealand Chairman, Mike Petersen, said lamb and beef returns were on a positive trend and that looked set to continue, in contrast to the dairy industry, where returns have dropped by 33%.

The returns to sheep farmers in 2008 were at a 50 year low.

Meat Industry Association chairman, Bill Falconer said earlier in the week that sales returns to farmers were better and the low dollar should bolster exports making NZ product very competitive on the world stage