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.
Donna Cram, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Taranaki, has been named the 2023 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Cram, a councillor on the Taranaki Regional Council, is heavily involved in her community as the Taranaki Catchment Communities Inc Chair and Founder, and as part of the DairyNZ Dairy Environment Leaders.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) trustee Donna Smit says the judges had an “unenviable job”, choosing between Cram and other nominees Rebecca Miller, Kimberly Crewther, and Sheena Penwarden.
However, she says Cram was a standout for the judges because of her way of inspiring her community, especially young people.
“Her ability to see the big picture and then mobilise those around her was something the judges’ thought was really special. They were looking for commitment, drive and passion for the dairy sector, someone who is a positive role model for women in dairying,” Smit says.
“They were looking for a strong performer who demonstrates leadership within her community, and with a wider circle of influence, and who epitomises the ‘bigger, brighter, bolder’ mantra shared through the DWN Conference this week”.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says Cram’s leadership, community engagement and commitment to sustainability “represent some of the best attributes of Kiwi dairy farmers”.
“We want more young people coming into the dairy sector and she’s helping to do exactly that. Fonterra is proud to sponsor this award and we acknowledge all the finalists for the significant contribution they have made, and continue to make, to our industry,” he says.
Cram will receive a scholarship of up to $20,000 for an approved and personally chosen development programme, or professional/business coaching and/or learning experience.
Alliance and Dawn Meats have completed their new strategic partnership.
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.

OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…
OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…