Westpac Urges Farmers to Prepare Now for El Niño Drought
Westpac NZ is calling on farmers and growers to start preparing now for the possibility of a dry summer, as likely El Niño conditions raise the risk of drought across parts of the country.
Global dairy prices have fallen again and supply expectations out of New Zealand might be at play.
The Global Dairy Trade (GDT) price index fell 1.9% overnight, compared to the previous auction.
Whole milk powder price dropped 1.2% to US$2753/metric tonne, causing further downward pressure on forecast milk payouts.
Westpac’s head of NZ strategy, Imre Speizer says supply expectations may have weighed on the latest GDT auction.
He notes that growing conditions in NZ are good.
More milk out of NZ means more dairy products available on the global market, causing prices to dip.
Key results
AMF index down 4.4%, average price US$5,069/MT
Butter index down 5.9%, average price US$4,016/MT
BMP index up 3.6%, average price US$2,522/MT
Ched index down 1.2%, average price US$3,468/MT
LAC index up 0.6%, average price US$913/MT
RenCas index up 3.0%, average price US$5,552/MT
SMP index down 0.3%, average price US$1,982/MT
SWP index not available, average price not available
WMP index down 1.2%, average price US$2,753/MT
Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.
Rural Contractors NZ says proposed changes to land transport rules for agricultural vehicles are a welcome response by the Government to out of date regulations which have seen members hit with huge fines.
Alliance is calling for final applications for its 2027 Graduate Programme, with applications closing on Sunday 25 October.
Decades piloting planes has ensured vet and farmer David Hayes is focused on safety. So, after a serious accident while welding on farm, he is sharing his experience so others can learn from it.
Canterbury milk processor, Synlait Milk has confirmed Leon Fung as its chief executive officer.
OPINION: Making it easier to collect rainwater and use it to grow crops and livestock is a no brainer.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.