Keeping cyber attacks at bay
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
At least 3.4 billion litres of water will be saved every year under new water targets Fonterra launched this month, the co-op says.
Six of its factories in water-constrained regions will reduce their water use by 30% by 2030 in a bid to accelerate sustainability, says chief operating officer global operations Robert Spurway.
“For some parts of New Zealand, water isn’t always in the right place at the right time,” said Spurway. “This means our water use in these regions can put stress on local water sources and the communities that rely on them.
“Reducing our water use at our manufacturing sites is the right thing to do for the environment and for the communities we operate in.”
The six sites are Maungatoroto, Lichfield, Brightwater, Darfield, Edendale and Clandeboye.
Spurway says the targets will ultimately result in better efficiency and outcomes.
“We’ve focused on the six sites where major water savings can have the greatest impact. This means we can target efforts and investment in regions most in need.”
All other Fonterra sites will take steps to keep water use to FY18 baselines.
“Some initiatives are underway and more are in the pipeline. This target will require clever ideas and creative thinking.”
The co-op also has the following plans:
• No more coal boilers or increasing capacity to burn coal
• Reducing emissions by 30% at all factories by 2030, on the way to net zero by 2050
• Improving the energy intensity of sites by 20% by 2020
• No solid waste to landfills by 2025
• 100% recyclable, reusable and compostable packaging by 2025
• A tailored farm environment plan for every Fonterra farmer by 2025
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.