Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
New Zealand dairy farmers woke up today to more good news on the milk price front.
The overnight Global Dairy Trade auction saw its third consecutive price index rise of over 4%. The price index rose 4.2% compared to the last auction.
Whole milk powder prices, which form the basis of Fonterra’s milk price to farmer suppliers, jumped 4.2% to US$4503/MT – its highest level in over seven years.
The latest rise will put upward pressure on the forecast milk price.
Fonterra is forecasting a milk price range of $8.90 to $9.50/kgMS for this season, with a mid-point of $9.20.
The highest previous milk price paid by Fonterra was $8.40 in 2013-14 season.
Strong gains were also recorded in butter index (5.1%) and skim milk powder (6%).
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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