Battle for milk
OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not keen on giving any ground to its competitors in the country.
However, farmers who already have an interest-free loan from the co-op should not expect much.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says at its half-year result announcement the co-op will say how it will assist farmers in "a small way".
Last week, the co-op dropped its forecast milk payout for the season by 25c, from $4.15/kgMS to $3.90/kgMS. Combined with the forecast earnings per share range of 45-55 cents, this means a total forecast available for payout of $4.35-$4.45/kgMS. This equates to a forecast cash payout of $4.25-$4.30/kgMS for a fully shared-up farmer after retentions.
Wilson says the drop in payout is the last thing farmers want to hear in this challenging season.
"At times like this the business needs to do everything it can to drive every last cent back to farmers.
"Management is focused on reducing cost and generating cash right across the business. The continuing lift in financial performance and our balance sheet strength will provide opportunities to support our farmers' cashflows. We will provide an update on this with our interim results on March 23," says Wilson.
Fonterra farmers are also putting the co-op on notice.
Shareholders Council chairman Duncan Coull says farmers now need
