Keeping cyber attacks at bay
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
Fonterra sees a number of positive aspects in a dairy industry discussion document released over the weekend.
The Government has released a discussion document on options to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 and associated Raw Milk Regulations.
Fonterra's group director, cooperative affairs, Miles Hurrell, says in particular the cooperative welcomes the proposal that it is no longer required to sell milk to large processors who predominantly export their products.
"We're also pleased to see the proposal that remaining processors are able to access less of our milk over coming years," he says.
"However we are surprised the Government has not taken the opportunity to make broader changes to the legislation.
"The requirement to accept all milk acts as a disincentive to Fonterra to invest in the right kind of assets and undermines the industry's ability to grow value add business and maximise returns to NZ farmers, as we are all committed to do."
The Government is proposing only that Fonterra no longer have to collect milk from new dairy conversions.
"This is a step in the right direction, but doesn't address the full issue of being required to take milk from all comers, even when it doesn't make commercial sense to do so," says Hurrell.
"We will be engaging with MPI and the Government on these important issues over the next few weeks."
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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