Fonterra slashes forecast milk price, again
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Taupo-based dairy company Miraka has lifted its forecast milk price for the season to $9.17/kgMS.
Miraka chief executive Karl Gradon says he expects the company's milk suppliers will be pleased with the strong 2024-25 season price update.
"Our farmers have experienced a difficult and challenging period, with lower commodities over time and higher operating expenses and interest rates.
"We're supporting them with a strong 2024/25 season forecast milk price."
Miraka's milk price is 17c above Fonterra's mid-point for the season.
Miraka's 2023-24 final milk payout is $8/kgMS. Fonterra's final Farmgate Milk Price for the 2023/24 season finished at $7.8/kgMS. This, combined with the 55 cents per share dividend, provides a total cash payout to a fully shared-up farmer of $8.38/kgMS. The dividend includes a special 15c return to farmers.
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says the special dividend of 15 cents per share, on top of interim and final dividends totalling 40 cents per share, demonstrates the strength of Fonterra's balance sheet.
"In addition, the special dividend is a welcome acknowledgement of the tough times faced by shareholders in the relatively recent past when the returns from ownership were not adequate."
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.
The Push-Up Challenge, an event which combines mental health and fitness, is set to launch in New Zealand in 2026.
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…