Fonterra Whareroa sets cheese record, wins top award
Fonterra Whareroa wrapped up a successful season with a record-breaking cheese production volume and several gongs at the co-op's annual Best Site Cup awards.
Fonterra has retained its 2021-22 forecast farmgate milk price range of $7.25 - $8.75/kgMS, with a midpoint of $8.
The co-op has also announced a 2021-22 earnings guidance range of 25-40c/share.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the strong milk price is likely to continue.
“A high milk price is good for farmers and good for the New Zealand economy.
“However, this does have the potential to squeeze our sales margins and impact earnings.”
Hurrell says the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt, particularly across the supply chain.
“We expect competitive tension in the global shipping market to continue this financial year. We have largely been able to mitigate this thanks to the strength of our Kotahi partnership which has allowed us to keep our product moving through the supply chain.”
The co-op’s final payout for last season is $7.74/kgMS; comprising farmgate milk price of $7.54/kgMS and a dividend of 20c/share.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.