$8 milk price this season 'out of reach'
An $8/kgMS farmgate milk price for this season may be out of reach, according to ASB economist Nathaniel Keall.
Dairy prices are low and likely to stay that way a while longer, according to the latest ASB Farmshed Economics Report.
"After a drought-driven false dawn earlier this year, prices are at their lowest in five years," says ASB's rural economist Nathan Penny.
"This is driven by a potent mix of domestic production getting a second wind and demand remaining weak. However, we still expect production to slow down to the point where demand can catch up, just later than previously expected."
ASB has cut its forecast for the 2015-16 season to $5.70/kgMS as well as adopting Fonterra's lowered 2014-15 milk price forecast of $4.50/kg MS.
Penny says it also now expects the RBNZ to cut the OCR this year, most likely by 25bp in each of September and October.
"The lower interest rate outlook has let some of the hot air out of the NZD, and it has started to fall against most major currencies. Also in the end, the NZD never reached its threatened parity with the AUD. If we do see the NZD weaken over the year, the lower NZD will support farmers' export returns in NZ dollars and make NZ products more competitive in international markets."
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.