Four Candidates Confirmed for Fonterra Board Election
Four candidates have been confirmed for two director positions on Fonterra’s board.
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.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
Global dairy giant Lactalis has integrated its Australian operations with the Mainland Dairy consumer business it acquired from Fonterra earlier this year.
After almost two decades of sharemilking, saving and building equity, Aaron and Marcia Flay this year realised their long-held dream of settling on their first dairy farm.
Good medium to long term prospects for NZ beef, especially in the US, has heighted the focus on various initiatives to capitalise on this situation.