Fonterra shaves 50c off forecast milk price
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
Fonterra's Western Star butter has been judged Australia’s champion butter for the seventh time.
Western Star Original Salted Butter took the crown at the Dairy Australia Grand Dairy Awards 2019 in judging that includes a blind tasting to assess texture, smell and appearance.
Now Australia’s most awarded butter, it was described by judges as “fresh and sweet with just the right salt balance” and “perfect for cooking or simply spread on fresh bread”.
Western Star Butter is Australia’s no1 selling butter brand; nearly two packs are sold every second and it’s retail value is A$205 million a year.
Fonterra’s Cobden site in Victoria has made butter for 90 years and production manager Samir Suri says the team is thrilled at its seventh win.
“Our Western Star Original Salted Butter is testament to the consistency of the butter we produce, the expert craft of our team and, of course, the quality of our farmers’ milk. It helps explain why one pack of Western Star is sold every second.”
Andrew Sharp, a butter maker at Cobden for eight years, said how special it was to win a contest with 50 finalists.
“I’ve always believed the butter we make is the best, so it’s great to be recognised for it.”
The Australian
Grand Dairy Awards celebrated its 20th year this year, raising awareness of the quality and versatility of Australian dairy products.
To enter the national contest, a dairy producers must win a gold medal in a state-wide heat.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
OPINION: Dipping global dairy prices have already resulted in Irish farmers facing a price cut from processors.
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