Fonterra shaves 50c off forecast milk price
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
Fonterra farmers are pleased with their co-operative's interim results, says Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson.
He told Rural News that the results give farmers confidence.
"A fully imputed interim dividend of 22 cents per share evidences our co-op's strong focus on return on capital," he says.
"Maintaining the forecast farmgate milk price midpoint for the current season at $10/kgMS with a narrowed range will give farmers confidence.
"Both a high milk price and solid earnings are a great outcome for farmer shareholders and council acknowledges the efforts by Miles Hurrell and his team."
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says it's pleasing to be able to deliver these results for farmer shareholders and unit holders.
"We're focusing on driving value which includes delivering strong financial performance while achieving the highest sustainable farmgate milk price," says Hurrell.
"At the same time, we're looking ahead as we implement our strategy and continue to invest for the future. We have commenced projects to unlock manufacturing production capacity for our Ingredients and Foodservice channels, with site works now underway at Studholme for high-value protein capacity and at Edendale for a new UHT cream plant.
"We're also continuing to invest to future proof our operations and supply chain network, with work underway on a new Whareroa coolstore and plans for decarbonisation projects."
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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