Fonterra cements position as the big cheese!
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
More diversification in the New Zealand economy is sustaining the currency despite low dairy prices, says Fonterra chairman John Wilson.
Fonterra updated its farmgate milk price to $4.15/kgMS in January versus $4.40/kgMS last year, Wilson told the Northland Dairy Development Trust.
"So it's our second year of very low prices onfarm," he said.
"One thing not being talked about... and which we need to adapt to, is that we clearly have an economy which is being supported, which is good, and more diversity than the influence of dairy in the past."
Historically if global whole milk and skim milk powder prices dropped to current levels the NZ dollar would have dropped to the low fives; giving a 50-55c (versus $US) exchange rate.
Net migration, the Canterbury rebuild and a strong tourism sector were causing the NZ dollar to be valued.
"So we've got a dollar which is strong relative to where we would normally be at these sorts of global commodity prices," he said.
"All these factors are clearly making it very difficult on farm."
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.