Dutch co-op's profit slumps
One of the world's largest dairy co-operatives is reporting a slump in half-year profits on the back of declining commodity prices and lower sales volumes.
More European dairy farmers are warming to the idea of grazing cows outdoors.
European dairy co-op FrieslandCampina reports that the number of its member dairy farmers putting their cows out onto paddocks has increased for the second year in a row.
Last year, 79.4% of FrieslandCampina farms took up some form of outdoor grazing, 1.2% more than in the previous year.
Thanks to active acquisition and guidance, 314 dairy farms decided to start outdoor grazing this year, the co-op says.
Chairman Frans Keurntjes says the rise in the number of farms using outdoor grazing is a positive development.
“The sight of the cows contributes to social acceptance and the image of dairy farming. We are happy with these increases and thank all outdoor grazers.”
By promoting outdoor grazing FrieslandCampina hopes that in 2020 it will have the same percentage of farms (81%) using outdoor grazing as in 2012.
Some dairy farmers are given tailored advice and the co-op organises outdoor grazing clinics.
FrieslandCampina also rewards its farmers who graze their cows in paddocks for at least 120 days per year for a minimum of six hours per day. These farmers get an outdoor grazing premium of 1.50 euro ($2.52) per 100kg milk.
Part-outdoor grazing brings a reward of 0.46 euros (77c) per 100kg milk. To get this, farmers must outdoor-graze 25% of their cattle for at least 120 days a year.
Outdoor grazing is a traditional aspect of the Dutch landscape and is highly appreciated by the people, the co-op says.
“FrieslandCampina encourages member dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany to put their cows and young cattle out into the paddocks.”
China’s Ambassador Wang Xiaolong says bilateral economic and trade cooperation between China and New Zealand has made significant and rapid progress.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.