Fonterra launches dairy youth programme with Growing Future Farmers
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
Dry weather in some parts of the country is beginning to affect milk production, says Fonterra.
In December 2019, the co-op collected 184 million kgMS from farmer suppliers: 0.6% down for the same month in 2018, according to its monthly global dairy update.
Season to date collection was over 909m kgMS, 0.5% down on the previous season.
North Island milk collection in December was 106.4 million kgMS, down 2.5% on last December. Season to date collection was 564 million kgMS, down 0.4% on last season.
Fonterra says December weather had some impact on pasture quality in some northern regions, however grazing crops are doing well, and cow condition remain very good.
South Island milk collection in December was 77 million kgMS, up 2.2% on last December. Season to date collection was 345 million kgMS, down 0.6% on last season.
“Favorable weather conditions across Canterbury continued, allowing for excellent pasture growth rates,” it says.
Overall milk solids collection in NZ fared slightly better than Fonterra’s.
New Zealand milk production was down 0.5% on a litre basis (up 0.2% on a milk solids basis) in December compared to the same period in the prior year.
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
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