Wednesday, 26 November 2025 11:25

Butter price melt

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size

OPINION: Are the heydays of soaring global demand for butter over?

In May this year, the price of butter of Global Dairy Trade platform nearly touched US$8,000/MT.

However, butter prices have dropped in the last 10 consecutive GDT auctions and now sit at around US $5900/MT.

While butter prices don't impact the farmgate milk price in a big way, the downward trend should mean cheaper prices for butter on supermarker shelves.

The media were quick to blame Fonterra for the rise in prices, but don't hold your breath for credit being given for the price drop!

Featured

Restrictions on fruits, vegetables movement in Mt Roskill

Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.

Free herbicide resistance testing

Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.

Fruit fly discovery puts growers, exporters on edge

Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.

Global dairy prices snap a five-month negative run

Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.

Alliance Group chief executive steps down

Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.

New field book helps identify common pests, diseases

A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

National

Fonterra capital return could boost GDP – ANZ Report

The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report,…

Fonterra upgrades Eltham cheese production for global growth

Fonterra's Eltham site in Taranaki is stepping up its global impact with an upgrade to its processed cheese production lines,…

Michelle Pye elected to Fonterra board

Canterbury farmer Michelle Pye has been elected to Fonterra’s board for a three-year term.

Government plan to scrap regional councils faces criticism

Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of…

Lactose to join fat and protein in Fonterra milk price model

For over 20 years, Whakatane farmer Gerard Van Beek has been attending Fonterra annual general meetings with the same message…

Machinery & Products

Case IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler Upgrades

Case IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing…

How to Improve Milking Efficiency in Swing-Over Herringbone Sheds

The swing-over herringbone is the most common dairy type in New Zealand, used on 69% of dairy farms. Simple changes…

Claas Jaguar 1000 Series sets new forage harvesting world record

The recently released Claas Jaguar 1000 Series has seen its flagship 1200 set a new official Guiness World Record in…

CB Norwood appoints John Skurr as new general manager

CB Norwood Distributors Limited has announced the appointment of John Skurr to the position of general manager.

AIMER, Bovonic and Herd-i join forces to advance NZ dairy tech

Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.

Butter price melt

More like this

Glut in global milk supply keeping prices down

When will global milk production hit a tipping point?

Editorial: No need to worry

Price cut coming?

Dairy farmers urged to focus on what they can control amid GDT drops

Popular Reads

Early drought fears ease in Hawke’s Bay, but caution remains

Fonterra shareholders watch performance after sale

Farmers more satisfied with banks, but confidence remains below 2017 levels

Environment Canterbury promotes on-farm composting as a practical alternative to offal pits