Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Global dairy prices have taken a hit in the overnight auction.
As predicted by the futures market, prices fell as concerns grew around coronavirus in China and its impact on global trade.
China is Fonterra’s major key market: Around 11% of all dairy consumption in China comes from Fonterra
The GDT price index fell 4.7%: whole milk powder down 6.2%, skimmed milk powder down 4.2%, and butter up 0.2%.
Updated coronavirus statistics show confirmed cases total 20,708 worldwide (20,483 in China), of which 4% have recovered, 13% are in critical condition, and 427 have died (425 in China).
Key results
AMF index down 4.5%, average price US$4,626/MT
Butter index up 0.2%, average price US$4,258/MT
BMP index down 5.2%, average price US$2,886/MT
Ched index up 6.0%, average price US$4,302/MT
LAC index up 2.5%, average price US$830/MT
RenCas index up 6.0%, average price US$9,956/MT
SMP index down 4.2%, average price US$2,907/MT
SWP index not available, average price not available
WMP index down 6.2%, average price US$3,039/MT
OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.
An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.
Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.
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OPINION: With fuel prices soaring, one would have expected most farmers to be reclaiming excise duty on petrol.