Red meat exports slump, thanks to China
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Silver Fern Farms shareholders have approved the joint venture with Chinese company Shanghai Maling.
At a special meeting in Dunedin yesterday, 82.2% of supporters voted in favour of the deal.
SFF chairman Rob Hewett says he is pleased with the overwhelming support shown by shareholders.
"It's all about better returns to our suppliers of livestock," he told shareholders after announcing the results.
"The understanding of our strategy is very gratifying."
The vote result will be relayed to Shanghai Maling, who will take it to its shareholders in China on October 30.
Hewett says SFF has a letter of support from Bright Foods, which owns 38% of Shanghai Maling.
"That's a huge degree of confidence in this transaction," he says.
Hewett expects the deal to finalise within nine months.
"We hope its sooner rather than later," he says.
"So this year, it will be business as usual for Silver Fern Farms."
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
New Zealand farmers are committed to making their businesses more resilient to climate change and are embracing innovation to help them do so.