Fonterra, Sharesies join to make share trading easier
Fonterra is teaming up with wealth app provider Sharesies to make it easier for its farmer shareholders to trade co-op shares among themselves.
The new Southern Dairy Hub in Invercargill will start milking cows next season.
The 349ha property will run 640 cows next season but plans to increase cow numbers to 800.
AgResearch and DairyNZ have each paid $5 million towards the venture and the Southern Dairy Development Trust, made up of farmers, has put in $1.25m.
AgResearch chairman Sam Robinson says the organisation has played a key role in developing the property at Makarewa, 15km north of Invercargill. The new facility will be made up of two independently owned adjoining beef and sheep farms.
“The plan is to convert the existing farm operation into a dairy farm this season and then supply Fonterra at the start of the 2017-18 season. It will initially milk 640 cows but that will increase to around 800 cows,” Robinson says. “It will further the science developments in the sector.”
DairyNZ chair Michael Spaans says its investment in the hub reflects the importance of dairying in the south and is a prompt for innovation, industry-led research and education.
“The hub will provide relevant, up-to-date local research for Southland dairy farmers. [Now comes] the development phase, and farmers will see research getting underway next season.
“This is a key project for DairyNZ and Southland dairy farmers will gain a lot of value from it.”
The hub project recognises that dairy farming techniques used in other parts of New Zealand are not easily adapted in Southland, given its unique landscape, climate and soil types, DairyNZ says.
Matthew Richards, chair of the Southern Dairy Development Trust, referred to the region’s long dairying history and its important role in the community.
“This development will help southern farmers further increase farm efficiency, productivity and sustainability, and thus continue to enhance the wider southern region.”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
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