Lower North Island farmers “cautiously optimistic” heading into winter – DairyNZ
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
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
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…