Fonterra opens organic milk supply to South Island dairy farmers
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
FEDERATED FARMERS Dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard has described the lowest auction in five years as "a blow to the industry" as hopes of a lift or at least continued plateau in prices were dashed.
"We will wait with anticipation for Fonterra's board meeting in December when they will review the payout, but there'll be another GDT before then, so who knows."
Hoggard noted Prime Minister John Key's belief, voiced to Feds' National Council Wednesday morning despite the GDT news, that "GDT has bottomed out and we are likely to see things improve going forward."
But only a day later Finance Minister Bill English said falling dairy prices and low inflation would make returning to economic surplus challenging.
"It was clear from the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Brisbane [Nov 15-16] that growth remains elusive in Europe and more uncertainty in China is being reflected in some sharply lower commodity prices," he told an ASB business breakfast.
"Falls in global commodity prices such as oil, forestry and dairy, together with weak international consumer price inflation, are posing challenges for governments and central banks around the world... New Zealand is not immune to these global trends."
GDT price index fell 3.1% overall with powders plunging 5-6%.
Feds' West Coast provincial president, Katie Milne said Westland's payout forecast of $5.40-5.80/kgMS would be hard to hold with Westland selling more milk powder than anything else.
"Westland suppliers should be prepared that there may be a drop in the payout after the board meeting at the end of the month. However there's nothing wrong with living in hope, and if it does not drop we will all breathe a little easier."
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New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.
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