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Fonterra Cobden butter makers celebrating the win.
Fonterra's Western Star butter has been judged Australia’s champion butter for the seventh time.
Western Star Original Salted Butter took the crown at the Dairy Australia Grand Dairy Awards 2019 in judging that includes a blind tasting to assess texture, smell and appearance.
Now Australia’s most awarded butter, it was described by judges as “fresh and sweet with just the right salt balance” and “perfect for cooking or simply spread on fresh bread”.
Western Star Butter is Australia’s no1 selling butter brand; nearly two packs are sold every second and it’s retail value is A$205 million a year.
Fonterra’s Cobden site in Victoria has made butter for 90 years and production manager Samir Suri says the team is thrilled at its seventh win.
“Our Western Star Original Salted Butter is testament to the consistency of the butter we produce, the expert craft of our team and, of course, the quality of our farmers’ milk. It helps explain why one pack of Western Star is sold every second.”
Andrew Sharp, a butter maker at Cobden for eight years, said how special it was to win a contest with 50 finalists.
“I’ve always believed the butter we make is the best, so it’s great to be recognised for it.”
The Australian
Grand Dairy Awards celebrated its 20th year this year, raising awareness of the quality and versatility of Australian dairy products.
To enter the national contest, a dairy producers must win a gold medal in a state-wide heat.
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
A record $10/kgMS opening forecast milk price for the new season means more money into Fonterra farmers pockets early, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
Consumers around the world are willing to pay more for products containing dairy and this is driving demand for butter and cream, says Fonterra.
Fonterra has invested in a new effluent pond mobile dosing service to support farmers to reduce emissions and make progress towards its on-farm emissions reductions target.
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
Taranaki veterinarian Dr Rob Mills is the new president of New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).
Input costs can make or break a season for farmers and electricity is one of the largest expenses.
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.
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