Feds Back National’s 19 Farming National Standards
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
TATUA MEMBERS of Federated Farmers are welcoming an all time record payout by a New Zealand milk processor at $9 per kilogram of milk solids (kg/MS) for the 2013/14 season.
The in-season forecast for 2014/15 is standing at $6.50 kg/MS.
"Tatua's tremendous trifecta is the only way to describe it," says David Fish, a Federated Farmers member and Tatua shareholder.
"It's an all-time record payout for any dairy company. It comes off record milk volumes for our cooperative and this year marks our centennial to boot.
"Most amazingly, the co-op has retained $1.32 kg/MS that will see nearly $13 million invested back into our business after tax. A year as we continue to build a major new dryer, which is an investment worth about two-thirds of our co-op's book value.
"We're small in the context of the New Zealand dairy industry but we are damn good at what we do with a focus on specialised quality products.
"I am also very pleased to see Tatua's forecast payout this season at $6.50 kg/MS. I believe there'll be another review in November but given what's happening internationally, it is a very good number.
"No one foresaw the international surge in production or the level of stock being held by China, now compounded of course by displaced European milk due to Russian sanctions. It's all collided more or less at the same time.
"Despite that, our co-ops smart business strategy is navigating these currents very well.
"While prices are flattish on the GlobalDairyTrade, there's massive demand out there. It isn't like the 1970s and 1980s when there were butter mountains. Those days are gone as consumers increasingly turn away from heavily processed food towards more natural ones," Fish says.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.

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