Canterbury-based independent milk processor Synlait Milk has reported a drop in profit, largely due to decreases in dairy prices.

Farmers thinking about cutting artificial insemination (AI) this mating season will save very little now and lose a lot in the long term, says Jeremy Bryant.

Farmers thinking about cutting artificial insemination (AI) this mating season will save very little now and lose a lot in the long term, says Jeremy Bryant.

The challenging milk payout will have many farmers scrutinising budgets for ways to reduce spending.

Farmers are being urged to speak courageously about the reality of their financial problems.

Dairy farmers must review their budgets line by line says DairyNZ economist Matthew Newman.

Dairy Women's Network is seeking to shift members’ ‘can do’ attitude to one of ‘can do safely’, by means of free workshops called ‘Step up to Safety’, from late October. 

The spring months, as soils warm up, are when the work of fertilising begins.

Amid Brazil's political and economic turmoil, onerous bureaucracy and almost non-existent market for fresh milk it’s hard to see the appeal for Fonterra.

Fonterra says its $231 million upgrade to its dairy processing plant at Pahiatua in the Tararua district will give the company more flexibility in the products it can produce at other plants.