"Our" business?
OPINION: One particular bone the Hound has been gnawing on for years now is how the chattering classes want it both ways when it comes to the success of NZ's dairy industry.
Fonterra farmers understand why the co-op has slashed its forecast milk payout this year, says Shareholders Council chairman Ian Brown.
"Most farmers understand the reality of the situation is that this year will not be a great one in terms of milk price," he says.
"Farmers will be focussed on getting through this year and ensuring they place their businesses in the best possible shape for next season."
The council represents Fonterra's 10,500 shareholders.
Fonterra this morning reduced its 2014-15 forecast payout by 60c to $4.70/kgMS. The co-op is still sticking to estimated dividend range of 25-35 cents per share; this amounts to a forecast cash payout of $4.95 – $5.05 for the current season.
Brown says with an estimated dividend range of 25-35c/share farmers will be expecting a tangible return on their investment in the co-op.
"Fonterra has had a significant focus on implementing the strategy over the past couple of years and it is important, especially in a season where the milk price is down, that Farmers receive the full benefit for their investment in the integrated supply chain that their co-op provides."
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having…
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of…