Vietnam offers big opportunities for smaller New Zealand dairy companies, says New Zealand’s trade commissioner and consul general in Vietnam, Tony Martin.

Recent events confirm that unexpected change and volatility have become the norm for farming.

Fonterra has announced a best-guess payout forecast of $5.25/kgMS for 2015-16. The bigger surprise was the final payout for 2014-15 of $4.40/kgMS, down another 10 cents. 

They say good things take time. However, the time taken by Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiators is testing the patience of stakeholders; doubt is setting in among the 12 countries involved.

Are dairy farmers responsible for providing breakfast to needy children? We don’t think so.

The downturn in dairy prices is affecting confidence in the sector.

The Ministry for Primary Industries annual ‘Situation and Outlook Report for Primary Industries’ (SOPI) forecasts the farmgate milk price for the 2015-16 season to be $5.62/kgMS – slightly higher than Fonterra’s $5.25.

The main message in calf rearing is to keep things simple, do those things well and pay attention to detail, says Wendy Morgan, Seales Winslow nutrition and quality assurance manager.

About 150 people turned up to the Owl Farm Focus Day on Wednesday, June 17 for advice on finances and welfare for farmers coping in a low-payout season.

Spin and corporate drivel are not the way to connect with dairy farmers who are going through tough times.