Fonterra, Sharesies join to make share trading easier
Fonterra is teaming up with wealth app provider Sharesies to make it easier for its farmer shareholders to trade co-op shares among themselves.
Today's announcement of a further 25c drop in the current season forecast farmgate milk price is a "bitter pill" for farmers to swallow, says Fonterra Shareholders' Council chairman Duncan Coull.
The 2015-16 forecast farmgate milk price dropping from $4.15/kgMS to $3.90/kgMS is reflective of the current market conditions.
Coull says: "Farmers understand what the market realities are and continue to make adjustments where they can, but today's announcement, coming so close on the heels of January's 45 cent milk price reduction, will magnify the effects on our Farmers' businesses.
"This news is difficult for us to hear and for our co-op to give however, that it was provided in a timely manner at least lets us know exactly where we are placed and enables us to prepare accordingly.
"Farmers now need their co-op to drive the business hard, execute strategy, and deliver cash to them. In essence, farmers want to see the full benefits that the cooperative model offers and we will all be watching March's interim results with great interest.
"This current environment is no doubt placing added personal stress on farm so it's imperative we keep in touch with our neighbours, friends and families, and all support each other where we can.
"I also ask that farmers stay connected with their co-op and contact their local Shareholders Councillor if they have any questions, need advice, direction or support."
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
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