Fonterra trims board size
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Fonterra’s milk collection across New Zealand for the four months to September 30 reached 297 million kgMS, 3% behind the same period last season, Fonterra says in its latest update.
September milk collection was 175 million kgMS, 2% lower than September last season.
As a result, the cooperative’s forecast offer volumes on GlobalDairyTrade over the next 12 months for New Zealand products has been decreased by 11,199 MT. Including this latest decrease, Fonterra has reduced GDT offer volumes since August 1, 2016 by 55,481 MT.
North Island milk collection in September reached 110 million kgMS, 5% behind September last season.
“Unfavourable weather conditions continue to impact production across most dairying regions. High levels of rainfall in October have made conditions difficult across many regions, but most noticeably in the central region where daily production is down around 14% compared to last year,” the update says.
South Island milk collection in September reached 64 million kgMS, 3% above September last season. Initial October collections indicate milk volumes in the South Island have begun to decline and may fall below last season, it says.
Fonterra’s milk collection across Australia in September, was 12 million kgMS, 1 million kgMS lower than September last season.
“New season milk collection has been heavily impacted by unfavourable pasture conditions through winter and early spring. While we have new farmer suppliers moving to Fonterra, this increase in supply has been offset by the challenging conditions, with record rainfall seen in some regions,” the update says.
The red meat sector is adopting the New Zealand Government’s ‘wait and see’ approach as it braces for the second Donald Trump presidency in the US.
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Five hunting-related shootings this year is prompting a call to review firearm safety training for licencing.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.