Dairy farmers well positioned despite global milk price volatility
Dairy farmers are still in a good place despite volatile global milk prices.
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%).
