Markets resilient, farmers hopeful
OPINION: The global dairy market continues to show resilience, and farmers remain cautiously optimistic as we move into the latter half of 2025.
The weakening New Zealand dollar helped local prices this week with most types increasing by the corresponding currency change, says NZWSI general manager, John Dawson.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was down 2.04% compared to the last sale on 9th July.
Of the 7,900 bales on offer from the South Island, 88% sold with types suitable for in the grease shipments coming under strong competition.
Dawson says that compared to the South Island sale on 25th June, Mid Micron Fleece 24.5 to 27.5 microns were firm to 1.5% dearer with 28 and 29 microns coming down 1 to 4%.
Compared to the last time it was offered, at the North Island sale on 9th July, Fine Crossbred Fleece remained firm with longer shear types up to 3% dearer.
Coarse Crossbred Fleece were firm to 2% stronger.
Coarse Shears 3 to 5 inches were up 1 to 2%, 3 to 4 inches 2.5 to 4.5% dearer and 2 to 4 inch and shorter, 2 to 3% dearer.
Long Oddments were nominally 2% dearer with short oddments ranging from 1% cheaper to 2% dearer.
There was widespread interest for the wide cross section of types available, with Chinese shippers the most active, supported by Australasia, Western Europe, Middle East and India.
The next sale on 23rd July comprises approximately 6,000 bales from the North Island, down 32% on anticipated roster due to poor weather delaying shearing.
Fertiliser co-operative Ballance has written down $88 million - the full value of its Kapuni urea plant in Taranaki - from its balance sheet in the face of a looming gas shortage.
The Government and horticulture sector have unveiled a new roadmap with an aim to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.
Canterbury farmers and the Police Association say they are frustrated by proposed cuts to rural policing in the region.
The strain and pressure of weeks of repairing their flood-damaged properties is starting to tell on farmers and orchardists in the Tasman district.
The sale price of Fonterra’s global consumer and associated businesses to the world’s largest dairy company Lactalis has risen to $4.22 billion.
Alliance Group's proposal to sell a 65% shareholding to Ireland's Dawn Meats won't solve the red meat industry's structural problems, says former Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams.