Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Farmers and sharemilkers are reminded to update existing business agreements as they face joint liability for meeting upcoming changes in respect of their using palm kernel (PKE) as feed.
Federated Farmers says extensive consulation has resulted in a “fair resolution” for both parties.
Farm owners and sharemilkers in current agreements should seek to add a clause to address this new (joint liability) risk.
New agreements will also have an additional clause under milk grading and feed to direct the parties.
“We conclude this is the fairest way to allocate these new ‘demerits’ as per the revenue share of milk production,” says Feds sharemilker farm owners’ section chair, Tony Wilding. “We intend to update federation contracts to acknowledge these changes.”
Fonterra will introduce a grading system next September to measure milk fat composition, which changes with excessive use of PKE affecting manufacturing capability and seasonal customer preferences.
Fonterra farmers who don’t comply with new recommended levels for cows’ PKE intake will be penalised.
Lisa Payne, regional head of Fonterra Farm Source, explained that the fat evaluation index (FEI) grading system will help farmers supply milk with the right fat composition, to enable the co-op to continue making products that meet customer specifications and provide the best return to farmers.
“The co-op has a responsibility to constantly evolve to meet customers’ needs, and provide the highest value return for milk,” Payne said.
Most farmers’ milk has the correct fat composition, and the FEI grading system will help others meet this requirement.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.