Fonterra FY26 Results: $9.69 Milk Price, $3.4bn Profit
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
THE FONTERRA Shareholders' Council says the final payout of $6.16 ($5.84 farmgate milk price and 32c dividend) for a fully shared-up farmer was an accurate reflection of the season.
Council chairman, Ian Brown: "Given the pressure placed on Fonterra by this year's drought and the unpredictability experienced in international markets the cooperative has delivered a satisfactory return for farmers."
Brown says the success of the integrated ANZ (Australia/New Zealand) business, which has encountered tough market conditions of late, is vital for Fonterra.
"The ANZ business has been working hard to adapt to the changing Australian business environment," says Brown.
"Accordingly, changes have been made to the ANZ business, there's a cost associated with these and the council will continue to monitor the situation."
Brown was satisfied with the final dividend and said the co-op had once again displayed a welcome degree of pragmatism in its decision on retentions given the cash flow issues being faced by some Farmers.
"That Fonterra delivered a final dividend of 32 cents provides the council with sufficient confidence that the business is working efficiently.
"LATAM (Latin America) and AME (Asia/Middle East) have again delivered at a local level and New Zealand Milk Products had a solid year.
"We are pleased with the current status of the gearing ratio as this will allow flexibility moving forward.
"Farmers will be happy to put the climatic challenges of last season behind them and are buoyed by the forecast payout for next season."
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.