Thursday, 13 September 2018 14:50

Farmers unhappy — Coull

Written by 
Duncan Coull. Duncan Coull.

Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman Duncan Coull says farmers are unhappy with the co-op’s current performance.

Commenting on Fonterra’s annual results, he says the underlying result and its impact on earnings, dividend and carrying value is totally unacceptable and one that our farming families will not want to see repeated.

“Moving forward, it is imperative that our business builds confidence through achievable targets and at levels that support a higher carrying value of our farmers’ investment. 

“We have been encouraged in the recent short term by the willingness of the board and management to take an honest look at our position and make the necessary changes. 

“We are looking forward to a continuation of more open and transparent discussions, and seeing those translate into long term results.”

Coull also noted the co-op’s $20 billion revenue resulting from the very strong milk price. 

“The New Zealand public needs to recognise that out of that $20 billion revenue, a good portion remains in the New Zealand economy. That’s a real positive - no other New Zealand business delivers that,” he says. 

Despite today’s results announcement, Coull says the council remains firmly resolved that Fonterra as a strong co-op “is the only model that serves to deliver a strong future for our farming families in New Zealand”.

More like this

No backing down

OPINION: Fonterra isn't backing down in its fight with Greenpeace over the labelling of its iconic Anchor Butter.

Entitled much?

OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving late.' 'The portions are wrong.' 'I wanted caviar.'

Fonterra mulls options - sale or IPO

An outright sale of Fonterra’s global consumer business is more likely than a float, says Forsyth Barr senior analyst equities, Matt Montgomerie.

Fonterra updates earnings

Fonterra says its earnings for the 2025 financial year are anticipated to be in the upper half of its previously forecast earnings range of 40-60 cents per share.

Featured

Accident triggers traffic alert in barns, sheds

WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.

People expos set to return

Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers  the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.

SustaiN lands NZ registration

Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.

National

Miraka CEO steps down

The chief executive of Taupo-based dairy company, Miraka – Karl Gradon - has stepped down from the role for personal…

Machinery & Products

Bigger but not numb

When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand…

Good just got great

Already well respected in the UTV sector for performance, reliability and a competitive price point, CFMOTO has upped the ante…

Nedap NZ launch

Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

O Canada

OPINION: Donald Trump's focus on Canada is causing concern for the country’s dairy farmers.

Plant-based fad

OPINION: The fact that plant-based dairy is struggling to gain a market foothold isn’t deterring new entrants.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter