Fonterra’s Pierre Venter named next vice chancellor of Massey University
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard says this morning’s strong rise in global dairy prices is a morale booster for farmers.
Hoggard told Rural News online that things are looking more positive after the GDT price index rose 11.4% and the flagship whole milk powder prices rose a whopping 19.8% to US$3317/tonne.
WMP prices need to stay over US$3000/tonne for farmers to get a decent milk payout and make a profit, he says.
“Let’s hope the prices remain steady,” Hoggard says.
Hoggard also points out that money won’t start flowing to farmers straight away; it would take several months.
GDT key results
Price Index up 11.4%
AMF index up 2.6%, average price US$5,146/MT
Butter index up 4.0%, average price US$4,146/MT
BMP index down 5.4%, average price US$2,248/MT
Ched index up 0.9%, average price US$3,332/MT
LAC index down 4.0%, average price US$755/MT
RenCas index down 4.8%, average price US$6,025/MT
SMP index up 6.5%, average price US$2,329/MT
WMP index up 19.8%, average price US$3,317/MT
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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