Keeping cyber attacks at bay
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
Fonterra farmers can now apply for Fonterra Cooperative Support, a loan to help them deal with the current challenging conditions, says chair John Wilson.
The interest-free loan of 50 cents for every kilogram of share-backed milk solids produced from 1 June to 31 December 2015 is available to Fonterra's farmer shareholders, Wilson says. It will remain interest-free until 31 May 2017, after which Fonterra may charge interest.
Wilson says Fonterra is well placed to help its farmers because of the Co-operative's underlying strength.
"Being able to help our farmers is all about standing together as a Co-operative and using our collective strength to get through these tough times.
"We have had a lot of interest from farmers who appreciate what the Co-operative is trying to do for them to assist them with their farming businesses in a tough financial climate, and we are anticipating a large number of applications."
Farmers can repay all or part of the loan at any time and no security is required over their shares or any other assets. The loan will be repayable directly from milk payments, and automatic repayments will occur when Total Advance Rate Payments exceed $6.00.
Applications for support are open until 5pm on 25 September 2015. Farmers can apply online (the preferred option) at nzfarmsource.co.nz, or by email, fax or post.
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.
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