Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Global dairy prices have continued their golden run, with the Global Dairy Trade auction recording its seventh consecutive rise in the price index.
Last night’s GDT event saw the price index rise 3%. Since November last year, the price index has gained over 20%.
GDT’s flagship products- whole milk powder prices continue to rise with last night’s auction recording a 4.3% lift to US$3615/metric tonne.
WMP prices are at levels not seen since December 2016, when it reached US$3593/MT.
Key Results
AMF index up 1.1%, average price US$5,527/MT
Butter index up 2.0%, average price US$5,129/MT
BMP not offered
Ched index up 2.4%, average price US$4,268/MT
LAC index up 0.4%, average price US$1,232/MT
SMP index up 0.3%, average price US$3,207/MT
SWP not offered
WMP index up 4.3%, average price US$3,615/MT
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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