Open Country Dairy prepares to launch first commercial butter
The country's second largest milk processor hopes to produce its first commercial butter within two months.
Milk processor Open Country Dairy (OCD) is on track to pay its suppliers a record milk price.
The country's second largest dairy player has revised its November settlement period payout to a range of $8.65 to $8.95/kgMS.
OCD pays its suppliers in full four times during the year.
For milk supplied in October and November, suppliers will be paid in full next month.
OCD chief executive Steve Koekemoer says continued strong demand prompted the payout review.
"There is no doubt that we will be setting a new payout record for the business for the current settlement period with the new forecast of $8.65 - $8.95.
"With sales completed for the period and financials being consolidated, I am one hundred percent confident that our average will at least hit the midpoint."
He says the final amount will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
"Leading into Christmas, I am sure it will be welcome news to everyone. It is a great way to end the year."
OCD has also lifted future settlement periods for milk supplied in December and January. The new payout range is also $8.65 to $8.95/kgMS. Suppliers will be fully paid in March.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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