Fonterra shaves 50c off forecast milk price
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
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
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
The black and white coat of Holstein- Friesian cows is globally recognised as a symbol of dairy farming and a defining trait of domestic cattle. But until recently, scientists didn’t know which genes were responsible for the Holstein’s spots.
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.