Fonterra launches farmer-led youth dairy programme in Waikato and Bay of Plenty
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
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”.
Waikato farmer Walt Cavendish has stepped down as the spokesman for a controversial farming lobby seeking greater protection for New Zealand farmers against inferior imports.
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
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