Revamped Fonterra to be ‘more capital-efficient’
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
FONTERRA'S MILK across New Zealand reached 554 million kgMS last month, up 4.3% on the same month last year.
In its monthly global dairy update issued this morning, the co-op says milk collection volumes peaked at 89.7 million litres per day in mid‑October.
New Zealand has a predominantly pasture-based milk supply curve and production peaks around mid-October every season.
Fonterra says North Island collection in October reached 147 million kgMS, seven million kgMS ahead of October last season.
North Island production growth continues, supported by mild spring temperatures, good soil moisture and strong pasture growth.
South Island collection in October reached 86 million kgMS, three million kgMS ahead of October last season.
Conditions have been variable across the South Island with cooler conditions experienced in central and the lower South Island. However, the co-op says current pasture growth conditions are still supporting increased production compared to last season.
Milk collection across Australia for the four months to October 31 reached 44 million kgMS, four million kgMS ahead of the same period last season.
Favourable spring conditions continued, particularly in Tasmania, where good rain and mild temperatures have continued to drive production growth, Fonterra says.
Milk collection in Australia in October reached 15 million kgMS, one million kgMS ahead of October last season.
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.

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