The majority of farmers are back in the black

The latest Federated Farmers confidence survey found 70 percent of respondents say their farm is currently profitable, the highest level since 2009.

Many are seeing strong returns alongside lower debt-servicing costs.

President Wayne Langford says commodity prices are up for milk and red meat.

He says it's not only good for farmers, but it will filter through into rural communities and the rest of New Zealand too.