Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the co-op cannot afford to repeat last year’s disappointing performance.
The co-op has forecast earnings of 15-25c/share for this financial year, based on a forecast EBIT range of $700-800 million.
“While this is down on last year, our forecast EPS (earnings per share) is up, reflecting lower interest and tax. To get here, we can’t repeat last year’s disappointing performance.
“The fundamentals of dairy remain strong.”
He says the world wants more dairy, and a growing middle class with high disposable incomes is looking for premium products.
“We believe we can create value from innovation, sustainability and efficiency.
“And our new strategy positions us well to leverage this.”
But at the same time, Hurrell says, the global economy is showing signs of slowing, with increasing trade tensions.
“Given our reliance on the international market, these are factors we continue to watch closely.”
On 2019-20 milk collection, he says milk collection forecast is similar to last year.
Fonterra has revised its milk price to a range of $6.55 to $7.55/kgMS – the fourth consecutive year of milk prices over $6/kgMS.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
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.