Record $10/kgMS milk price forecast means extra cash for Fonterra farmers
A record $10/kgMS opening forecast milk price for the new season means more money into Fonterra farmers pockets early, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.
MAKING THE most of a higher milk price will be discussed at a Northland Focus Farm field day on the farm of Alister and Lyn Candy, at Okaihau on July 2. DairyNZ will be in support.
A farm accountant and top award winner in the 2013 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards, Charmaine O’Shea, will talk to farmers about how to best take advantage of a rise in payout.
Also speaking will be dairy farmer Roger Hutchings. The two will offer a practical approach to managing finances and look at the opportunities and pitfalls of a higher milk price.
A review of the Okaihau farm’s 2012-13 season will also be given.
Focus farm facilitator Gareth Baynham says the field day will help farmers plan for a successful spring.
“The forecast milk price has resulted in some smiling farmers, but the challenge will be making sure the expected increase in milk price translates into generating profit on the farm. The goal is to set up the farm to hit targets this spring. In Northland, that starts with winter management.
“On the focus farm, for example, the Candys are planning to increase milk production this season by building on their experiences from the 2012/13 season and delivering on the focus farm goal of profiting from pasture.”
Farmers Dave Gray and Peter Flood will expand on the ‘profiting from pasture’ theme.
“Dave and Peter have successfully built their farming businesses on profitable pasture management and will provide tips and tools to make pasture management simple and effective,” says Baynham.
“Good pasture management starts with getting winter management right and these field days provide a good opportunity to glean some ideas off other farmers.”
Tel. 09 433 7527
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The stockfood storage capacity of J Swap Stockfoods continues to grow in the South Island with the opening of a new store that boosts its capacity in Christchurch and work starting on another store in Southland.
Fonterra has lifted and narrowed its full year forecast earnings range to 60-70 cents per share after a strong quarter, supported by robust milk production, strong shipment volumes and continued demand across its Ingredients and Foodservice businesses.
Fonterra has announced it will continue with the planned expansion of its organic business into the South Island.
New Zealand farmers have been told they all have amazing people on their farms and have been urged to be “that one person” that can make a huge difference to those going through tough times.
OPINION: For thousands of Southland farmers, this week would have tipped them into the non-compliant category when it comes to following regional freshwater plan rules. But the Government has stepped in to give them the clarity they deserve.
The stark realities of the world trade that New Zealand is having to face have been revealed by Trade Minister Todd McClay.