Keeping cyber attacks at bay
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
MARCH ESTIMATES for New Zealand milk flows are for a double-digit percentage increase over the prior year when the drought had taken a firm grip, says Rabobank.
For the season, milk flow continues at about 6% ahead of the prior season to date despite dry conditions emerging in some regions, the bank says in its Agribusiness Monthly for Australia and New Zealand.
Globally milk supply from the main exporting nations also continues to pick up pace, says Rabobank.
"Producers in most regions are beginning to see the benefit of improved farmgate milk prices, lower purchased feed costs and mostly good climate conditions," the report says.
"Attention over the next few months will be on the strength of the Northern Hemisphere seasonal peak as it will play a key determinant in the market balance.
"Right now the global dairy commodity market remains firm and in many regions inventory levels are tight. The market continues to remain well supported by ongoing strong Chinese purchasing."
Rabobank says in New Zealand the added incentive for higher production came Fonterra increased the forecast 2013/14 milk price by NZ 35c/kgMS to $8.65/kgMS.
"Processors will now be looking to the end of season and the need to balance ongoing customer requirements through June and July when milk flows largely cease," it says.
Australian milk production is up 3.1% in the season to date, with improving seasonal conditions allowing producers to begin to make up the lost ground through the first half of the season.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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