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 reduced its 2020-21 forecast farmgate milk price range midpoint by 5c.
Having sold most of its milk for the 2020/21 season, Fonterra says it is now in a position to narrow this season’s range - from $7.30 - $7.90/ kgMS to $7.45 - $7.65/kgMS.
Chief executive Hurrell says, at a mid-point of $7.55/kgMS , 2020/21 would be the second year in a row with the forecast farmgate milk price above $7/kgMS.
Hurrell says since March, global dairy prices have settled, somewhat.
“This is why we have revised our midpoint down 5 cents.”
He referred to the “extraordinary” March Global Dairy Trade (GDT) event, where prices jumped 15% and contributed to the increase in its forecast 2020/21 farmgate milk price range.
Back in March, the average price for whole milk powder was over US$4,350/metric tonne. In the last three GDT events, however, the average price has reduced to close to US$4,100/metric tonne. And GDT butter prices have gone from almost US$6,000 per metric tonne to below US$5,000 per metric tonne for the first time since January, Hurrell notes.
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.