Glut in global milk supply keeping prices down
The final Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction has delivered bad news for dairy farmers.
Dairy prices went down in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction.
While milk powder (WMP) price index dropped 2.1% to $US$2883/MT.
Westpac’s IQ financial briefing notes that since April, WMP prices have fallen 13%.
The GDT Price Index was down 3.6% compared to the last auction.
Key results
AMF index down 6.9%, average price US$5,321/MT
Butter index down 8.5%, average price US$4,392/MT
BMP not offered
Ched index down 4.7%, average price US$3,484/MT
LAC index not available, average price US$914/MT
RenCas index up 2.8%, average price US$5,138/MT
SMP index down 1.3%, average price US$1,951/MT
SWP index not available, average price not available
WMP index down 2.1%, average price US$2,883/MT
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.

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