RaboResearch Forecasts Profitable Dairy Season Despite Rising Cost Pressures
RaboResearch senior analyst Emma Higgins expects the 2026/27 dairy season to be another profitable one.
NZ dairy farmers need to keep the focus on the cost of production, because New Zealand is the only system in the world that can live through the current volatility, says Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings.
"I know it's not nice but the scene in Europe is much worse than what you see here because their cost price is almost double," Spierings told Dairy News.
The middle to long term prospects are "absolutely good", he says.
"Our strategy is connected to the market opportunities and our strategy is working," he says. "But at this point in time .... There are multiple areas in the world, demand pools, which have dried up for a while.
"While the middle to long term is positive, the farmers will have to manage through these low prices and the only way to do that is manage your cost price.
"We will try to do get as much money from the market as possible, but cost price on farm is crucial. We have to turn the wheel, get value from the market. Our farmers are focusing on cost."
Farmers will hopefully have enough to keep going with the current forecast of $4.50/kgMS farmgate milk price, with the 50c support and 40-50c earnings per share, bringing the payout to a potential $5.60 including the loan.
"I really do believe in the second half of this year we could see a completely different scene with a significant weather event."
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.
OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…
OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.