Synlait FY26 Result: $75.4m Loss, Second-Half Profit
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
Strong demand from China for whole milk powder has triggered another rise in Fonterra’s farmgate milk price.
The co-op has increased the midpoint of its forecast range, which farmers are paid off, by 20c to $7/kgMS. This follows a 40c lift in October.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says as a result of strong demand for New Zealand dairy, the co-op has narrowed and lifted the bottom end of the forecast farmgate milk price range from $6.30 - $7.30/kgMS to $6.70 - $7.30/kgMS.
“This means the midpoint of the range, which farmers are paid off, has increased to $7/kgMS,” he says.
“China is continuing to recover well from COVID-19 and this is reflected in recent Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auctions with strong demand from Chinese buyers, especially for Whole Milk Powder, which is a key driver of the milk price.
“The impact of COVID-19 continues to play out globally, and we continue to have a watchful eye on the increasing Northern Hemisphere milk production and New Zealand dollar.
“However, we have contracted a good proportion of our sales book for this time of the season, which has given us the confidence to narrow and lift the bottom end of the forecast Farmgate Milk Price range.
“Our forecasts would see the co-op contribute around NZD $10.5 billion to the New Zealand economy this year.”
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.