Farmers' call
OPINION: Fonterra's $4.22 billion consumer business sale to Lactalis is ruffling a few feathers outside the dairy industry.
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."
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
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