Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
The listed company, which relies on Synlait for its A2 infant formula supply, resolved a long-running dispute with the milk processor in August: it continues to hold a 19% stake in Synlait.
Speaking at a2MC’s annual meeting today, chair Pip Greenwood noted that more Chinese label registrations and own processing plant were critical components of the company’s supply chain transformation strategy.
“The Company continues to explore opportunities to achieve this through investment in its own supply chain and through acquisitions and commercial partnerships.
“While we do not have any new information to share with you today, I can say that we continue to make good progress in this regard and that this remains a top priority for management and the board.”
Greenwood told shareholders that the 2024 financial year was a milestone year for its China label product, following re-registration in June 2023 of its upgraded China label infant milk formula product.
“Given the positive signs we have seen including strong consumer offtake and healthy metrics, we are pleased that the transition has been successful.
“As a proud New Zealand company, we are delighted that in our largest market China, our consumers continue to highly value the A1 protein free proposition and our products’ New Zealand provenance.
“Being the pioneer of A1 protein free helps us differentiate our products in a competitive market. It is especially pleasing that in FY24 we achieved a top 5 brand position in the China infant milk formula market with our China and English label products combined.”
The company is also progressing an application for long-term US Food and Drug Administration approval to import infant milk formula into the US.
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…