Cut with care
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
Three bank economists see a risk of downside to farmgate prices from last week’s GDT auction where the overall price index dropped 2.4%.
BNZ is sticking with its $6.75/kgMS milk price forecast – or perhaps a little more – while the ASB says $7/kgMS could be on the cards if rain persists.
Dairy prices have cumulatively eased only 3% after falling in four of the past five auctions, says BNZ senior economist Doug Steel.
Although last week’s GDT price index eased 0.4%, the dairy auction was generally positive, especially the 2.6% lift for whole milk powder (WMP), says ANZ rural economist Con Williams.
BNZ rural economist Doug Steel has dared to mention $7 for the new season milk price, but with very strong notes of caution.
After five consecutive increases in Global Dairy Price (GDT) auctions, a $7/kgMS opening forecast for the new 2017-18 season is feasible.
There's scope for a small lift this season in Fonterra’s farmgate milk price after the GDT Event price index rose 3.1% last week, says BNZ senior economist Doug Steel.
Recent comments by BNZ agribusiness head John Janssen about risks supposedly posed by Healthy Rivers plans to rural land values are questionable, says Bayleys country manager Simon Anderson.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
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