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."
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.

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