Still optimistic about the long-term outlook for the New Zealand rural services firm.

Dry conditions on both sides of the Tasman and lower livestock values curb prices.

Steve Carden will leave the country's biggest rural supplies firm to take up the reins at the government-owned farming company in July.

$US60.2m loss after taking an impairment against rent paid on unused farmland leased from village collectives.

The repayment is slightly above expectations, the rural services company says.

Livestock Improvement Corp has granted an extension to Agria on the Chinese company's $10 million loan it used to help it take control of PGG Wrightson.