Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra says the global dairy market remains largely in balance, but is not without some risk.
“We are keeping a close eye on international trade tensions and geopolitical risks. The weakening Chinese currency means less consumer purchasing power for USD-priced dairy products like ours. There is also continuing volatility in the price of dairy fat.
“On the other side, we have seen good Whole Milk Powder (WMP) demand. Global milk supply growth is slowing and international WMP production expectations are falling.”
The co-op is maintaining its current 2019-20 forecast range of $6.25 to $7.25/kgMS and the Advance Rate schedule, which is set off $6.75/kgMS.
“It is still early in the season with around 2% of our forecast full season milk volume collected to date, so we are retaining a range of +/- 50c/kgMS. As the season progresses and we get greater certainty on production and sales, this range will narrow,” it says.
It will announce the final 2018/19 Farmgate Milk Price as part of its annual results on 12 September.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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