Editorial: Sensible move
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Fonterra's lifting of the current season payout to $6.15/kgMS highlights the revival in the fortunes of dairy farms, says Federated Farmers.
The favourable forecast wasn’t unexpected and reflects the recent trend of increasing global dairy prices, which has fostered more confidence amongst the markets.
“This is great news and comes after a turbulent few years where the industry has been under the pump,” says Andrew Hoggard, Federated Farmers dairy chair.
Based on Fonterra’s forecast and current production cycles, about $280 million dollars is expected to flow through the New Zealand dairy sector and provincial communities this season.
“If you take on board the amount of milk we are producing at present this means the average dairy farm will be about $23,000 dollars better off.
“This will enable farmers to invest in their business and farm infrastructure, which has perhaps not been a priority in the past two years in trying to survive the challenging times.
“We’ll also have more money to [spend on achieving] our environmental goals, the focus for many farmers in spite of modest returns from their businesses.”
NZ dairying employs at least 40,000 workers and contributes much to regional economic development.
“The regional economies and service centres will also be boosted as farmers prepare to spend again, now they are more certaint about their businesses.”
Fonterra’s predicted payout of $6.50/kgMS would mean a further $650m going into provincial economies.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
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