Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra has announced $15 million in investments in electrification projects across the North Island over the next 18 months.
The investment will see electric boilers installed at the co-operative’s Whareroa, Edgecumbe, and Waitoa sites, along with further fleet decarbonisation.
The co-operative says this will contribute towards its goal of a 50.4% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from a 2018 baseline.
Fonterra chief operating officer, Anna Palairet, says the investments mark a significant step for the co-operative’s future operations.
“Last year, we turned off the last coal boiler in the North Island, meaning manufacturing operations in the North Island are now coal-free,” Palairet says.
She says these investments are the next step in creating enduring assets that are fit for the future as Fonterra looks to reduce its reliance on gas.
“Choosing the right energy solutions is about striking a balance between affordability, security of energy supply and reducing our environmental footprint, and the new electric boilers are crucial to navigating this challenge,” Palairet adds.
She says the electrification projects play a significant role in ensuring efficient operations with a reliable energy supply for Fonterra’s manufacturing sites and to support the long-term sustainability of the business.
“It also represents a commitment to our farmer owners that we are building a resilient, future-ready co-operative,” she concludes.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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