Well-placed to weather conflicts
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
Fertiliser co-op Ravensdown says some of its stores have been affected by the series of earthquakes this morning.
It is also warning farmers that supply of fertiliser to some stores could be affected by road closures.
The co-op’s Marlborough store is being assessed by staff and will re-open at 7am tomorrow. The Cheviot store could not be contacted due to phone congestion and it is likely to be closed for the day due to road closures.
Some staff made it into the Culverden store, however access to the store may be limited by road closures; the store is open but running on limited resources.
Stores in Nelson and Amberley are open after visual inspections by staff.
Ravensdown’s quarries at Ngarua and Whiterock Lime are open but will not be producing lime until production buildings are inspected and passed safe by engineers.
“We will continue to despatch lime and should have sufficient quantity on hand to minimise any supply disruption,” it says.
“Our manufacturing plants are operational, have been assessed by staff, and look okay; engineering reports will be prepared as required. At this stage no North Island stores are affected.”
The co-op says several main roads remain closed.
“Until roads are more closely assessed today we will not know for how long they will be closed. There is likely to be some ongoing interruption to supply of fertiliser to these stores while roads are repaired.”
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.