Britain should hold a second referendum on Brexit to make sure the British people fully understand what they will be in for when the UK leaves the European Union (EU) in six months.
As you read this, the factors affecting the outlook for global commodity markets are finely balanced, with much swinging on the weather – so there’s nothing new.
With feed costs almost doubling, one drought-stricken Australian dairy farmer has been deciding to regularly sell livestock. He would like the government to provide rate relief for farmers affected by drought.
There is now a 50:50 chance Britain will crash out of the European Union without any sort of deal concluded, says a recognised Irish commentator.
New Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s first trip in the top job was to a drought-stricken farm in Queensland.
Farmers in New South Wales are digging in to survive as the drought worsens.
Farmers in Northern Europe – especially the UK and Ireland – are facing a crisis as drought forces them to sell stock early while they struggle to adequately feed animals remaining.
Analysts fear that up to 25% of Britain’s farms will be at risk of bankruptcy if farm subsidies aren’t guaranteed by the government post-Brexit.
Australian farmers are unhappy with the US Government’s US$12 billion in new subsidies to farmers caught up in trade wars triggered by President Trump.
Drought-stricken New South Wales farmers are welcoming an extra A$500 million in state government aid. 99% of the state is now in drought.
The new dairy season has just begun and there is already plenty to keep track of for Australian dairy farmers.
Australian dairy farmers produced an estimated 650 million litres in March, an increase of 2% on March 2017.
A fodder crisis is forcing Irish dairy farmers to buy feed from other farmers around the country.
The growth of Australia’s dairy industry is now down to the two main players Fonterra and Saputo, says dairy analyst Steve Spencer.
Listed Australian dairy processor Bega Cheese attracted an extra 100 million litres of milk during the second half of last year.
Canadian processor Saputo, on the verge of becoming Australia’s largest dairy player, looked at investing in New Zealand 16 years ago.
Fonterra says its launch of Farm Source in Australia is another way of growing its partnership with farmer suppliers.
Dairy Australia senior industry analyst John Droppert chaired a panel discussion on volatility in the dairy industry. Here are excerpts:
Australian dairy farmers supplying milk to Fonterra say any proposal to them on ownership options must have a sound economic rationale.
Australia's new dairy kingpin is urging co-ops in Europe and New Zealand to rein in milk production and help stamp out price volatility.
European dairy co-op Arla Foods will spend $850 million this year to expand its business.
More European dairy farmers are warming to the idea of grazing cows outdoors.
While overall dairy exports from New Zealand and Australia are declining, the European Union is showing strong export growth, says Fonterra’s November Global Dairy Update.
A move in the EU over licensing the use of glyphosate is bothering the farming industry.
» Latest Print Issues Online
The Hound
Forgetful?
Speaking of M. bovis, the Hound understands the latest outburst by a farmer hit early on by the cattle disease…
Fatally flawed?
A mate of the Hound – a former technician and founder of an electronics business – reckons the NAIT system…
Popular Reads
M. bovis hits beef feedlot
New Zealand's only large-scale beef feedlot has confirmed a Mycoplasma bovis infection.
Mycoplasma bovis farm faces court
The farm suspected of being the likely source of the country’s Mycoplasma bovis outbreak is facing charges related to the…
‘Lucky to have co-op’
Corporate farmer and former Fonterra director Mark Townshend is urging shareholders to support Fonterra and its new leadership.
Rural Life
Ozone in the vineyard
The word ozone conjures up images of big holes in the atmosphere, stronger UV light, the risk of severe sunburn…
Drones versus birds
Drones may soon be joining the armoury of weapons used to scare birds away from ripening grapes after a trial…
Boss woman has earned her stripes
Nicky Hutchinson “never dreamed” of becoming ‘The Boss’.