Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Fonterra has started consulting its 10,000 farmer shareholders on potential changes to its capital structure.
In an email farmer shareholders co-op chairman Peter McBride has asked them to fill an online survey.
The short survey has nine questions including on whether farmers want the capital structure review.
Fonterra’s board and management have been looking at capital structure options.
McBride told farmer shareholders that it needs a capital structure to ensure it best supports the co-op strategy and long-term vision.
“We have spent the past few months reviewing potential options, including staying with our current structure,” he says.
“Every option has its own merits, but also involves some form of trade-off.”
McBride says the farmer feedback will be considered as part of the board’s decision-making process as it moves toward a preferred option.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?