Middle East demand cushions global dairy price drop at latest GDT auction
The upheaval in the Middle East may have eased the fall in global dairy prices last week.
Global dairy prices have slumped for the fourth straight time this year.
However, the drop was nowhere near the 5% to 10% predicted by futures market.
This morning's GDT event saw the auction price index down 2.8%.
Whole milk powder, Fonterra's flagship product on GDT, dropped 3.7% to US$1890/MT.
Skim milk powder was down 1.4% to US$1762/MT.
The continuing slide in dairy prices will put further pressure on Fonterra's current farm gate milk price of $4.15/kgMS.
Key Results from the latest GDT auction;
AMF index up 1.5%, average price US$3,527/MT
Butter index down 2.3%, average price US$2,834/MT
BMP index down 1.2%, average price US$1,496/MT
Ched index down 5.6%, average price US$2,535/MT
LAC index unchanged, average price US$574/MT
RenCas index down 11.5%, average price US$3,852/MT
SMP index down 1.4%, average price US$1,762/MT
WMP index down 3.7%, average price US$1,890/MT
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.

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