Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Another signal from Fonterra that next season’s milk payout will drop.
The co-op has announced a raft of measures to boost farmer cash flow in the new season, bringing forward milk payments from June.
Monthly payments will be made on the 15th of the month from June, compared to the 20th currently. Final settlement (wash up payment) will be no later than five working days after its annual results announcement.
Advance rate guideline from July will start at 65% of the mid-range for the payout forecast.
After enjoying $6-plus payouts for the past four years, Fonterra farmers are being told to brace for a drop in milk payout next season.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.