Fonterra slashes forecast milk price, again
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Fonterra has managed to sell only 1% of its stake in the troubled Chinese company Beingmate.
Chief executive Miles Hurrell says the co-op will continue to offer the shares on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange market.
Under the sharemarket rules it is only possible to sell up to 1% cent every 90 days directly on the exchange, or sell up to 2% in a single block every 90 days.
Trades greater than 5% can be made to an individual party in an off-market transaction.
Hurrell says the co-op is also willing to sell a larger stake off market to any interested party.
Fonterra paid $750 million for its 18.8% shareholding in March 2015, in a bid to gain access to Chinese consumers for its infant formula.
Last year Fonterra wrote down the investment by $439m which helped lead to its first ever annual loss of $196m.
Hurrell says apart from Beingmate, the co-op is reviewing its China Farms and Brazilian joint venture with Nestle.
He expects a decision on both these investments this financial year.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.