WHEN FARMER Henry Schipper’s vet rung him earlier this year with a proposal to try a new plant extract on his pasture, he agreed as there was “nothing to lose”.

There are signs the dairy market could be stabilising. At the recent global dairy trade auction, prices somewhat maintained the sharp gains made in the prior auction.

There was a large variance in works prices paid for lambs in the South Island last week so it continues to be difficult to put a peg in the sand on where the general market is.

Demand for R2yr cattle remains strong in most regions while farmers enter the market looking for replacements.

The prime cattle keep rolling into the works in the North Island which is keeping a lid on prices. Last week, 300kg prime steer was $4.15/kg on average

NEW ZEALAND’S first and only independent spray dryer intended for product development is open for business.  

A MERE 0.5% drop in overall prices in last week’s GlobalDairyTrade auction is being hailed as a good result by commentators given the previous sale’s 13% price jump and continued economic uncertainties.

FONTERRA’S ACQUISITION of South Canterbury processor NZDL was last week (as Dairy News went to press) still far from a done deal, awaiting Commerce Commission clearance and confirmation that suppliers are on board.

DISAFFECTED FARMER Allan Crafar says bankers have driven his family out of the dairy industry.

AUSTRALIAN FARMERS are welcoming comments by Prime Minister Julia Gillard on the need to improve global agriculture and food production. But it wants Gillard to show a similar commitment at home.

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