increase font size
Many Fonterra farmers have expressed their pride in the way the co-op board, management and staff have kept the wheels of the business turning during Covid-19.
That was the message from Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman James Barron at the co-op’s annual general meeting in Masterton today.
Speaking to about 180 farmers, Barron said, he like many of them, have greatly appreciated the leadership and commitment seen.
“The commitment to keep milk collections happening…. the entire Farm Source team supporting us, our plants operating, and our product being delivered and sold around the world.
“After a period of fairly intense criticism both in the media and by sectors of the general public, many of you told us it has been pleasing to see positive commentary on the importance of the agricultural sector to New Zealand.
“On behalf of our farmers, I would like to thank our Fonterra employees who have worked so hard, with grit, determination and professionalism, to keep our co-op open for business in these unprecedented times and their families who supported them as they did that.”
Barron also told shareholders that the Fonterra board met nine of the Board’s 14 targets in the last financial year: compared to five out of 15 in FY19, and one out of nine in FY18.
Since 2018, the council has also been monitoring average total shareholder return and average return on capital employed, in each case since Fonterra’s formation.
“This reflects the fact that we are all part of an intergenerational co-operative, and as such it is important to incorporate an intergenerational horizon when monitoring performance. We have been reporting these figures to you in our annual reports since 2018.”
OPINION: There is zero chance that someone who joined Fonterra as a lobbyist, then served as a general manager of Fonterra's nutrient management programme, and sat on the board of Export NZ, a division of lobbyist group Business New Zealand, doesn't understand that local butter (and milk and cheese) prices are set by the international commodity price.
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
An A$2 billion bid for Fonterra's Oceania business would be great news, according to Forsyth Barr senior analyst, equities, Matt Montgomerie.
The world's largest dairy company may be in pole position to acquire Fonterra's Australian assets.
Over 85% of Fonterra farmer suppliers will be eligible for customer funding up to $1,500 for solutions designed to drive on-farm efficiency gains and reduce emissions intensity.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
