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's domestic milk collection is up 0.8% in the year to date according to its latest Global Dairy Update.
Fonterra’s New Zealand collection for September was 179.1 million kgMS, down 0.1% on the same month last season. Season to date collection was 309.4m kgMS, up 0.8% on last season.
New Zealand milk production was down 0.7% on a litre basis but was up 0.7% on a milk solids basis in September compared to the same period last year. The variance between milk solids and liquid milk indicates improved pasture quality from last September, the update says.
“Despite several cold snaps in parts of the South Island, average temperatures were recorded across much of the country and on-farm pasture conditions remain good,” the update says.
Fonterra’s North Island milk collection in September was up 1.1% on last September and the season to date is up 1.7% on last season. Favourable conditions are expected to continue for the North Island.
The cooperative’s South Island milk collection in September was down 2.1% on last September and in the season to date collection was 98.5m kgMS, down 1.1% on last season.
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.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.