increase font size
Getting up early on a foggy frosty Waikato morning for calving is quite a change for Indonesian farmers in New Zealand this winter with Fonterra's Dairy Development programme.
Getting up early on a foggy frosty Waikato morning for calving is quite a change for the nine Indonesian farmers in New Zealand this winter with Fonterra's Dairy Development programme.
These farmers who would normally work in hot and humid 31 degree temperatures, are now rugged up to spend four weeks in New Zealand as part of their 12 week scholarship programme with Fonterra.
Fonterra's Dairy Development programme teaches farmers in developing countries animal care best practice, and other key skills to improve on-farm efficiencies that produce higher volumes of better quality milk.
Joining the farmers in the programme are three Indonesian Government dairy extension officers and two Fonterra Sri Lankan supplier relationship officers.
Fonterra's director of social responsibility, Carolyn Mortland, says the Dairy Development programme is crucial to ensure the cooperative continues building support in off-shore markets.
The cooperative's dairy development work supports the growth of sustainable dairy farming in key markets where Fonterra operates such as Indonesia and Sri Lanka - sharing its expertise and working together with local farmers, governments and industry bodies.
"As a global business, for us to continue growing in our most important markets, we need to have strong local partnerships. Supporting the sustainability of local dairy industries within these markets is a natural way to achieve this," says Mortland.
"This programme is now in its fourth year and we're already seeing fantastic results. Last year, close to 90% of the farmers we worked with reported improved milk quality or were producing more milk as a result of new milk hygiene, animal care and farm management practices."
Indonesian farmer Egi Giantara says he's learnt a lot so far and loves being in New Zealand, despite the chilly weather.
"In the short time I've been in New Zealand I've already learnt about calf and effluent management and have a much better understanding of animal behaviour," says Giantara.
"I'm very grateful to Fonterra for giving me this opportunity. It's providing me with information to improve my farming operation back home. I'm looking forward to sharing my new found knowledge with other farmers when I finish the programme."
Giantara and the rest of the group are in New Zealand until August 13.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
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.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
Fonterra Whareroa wrapped up a successful season with a record-breaking cheese production volume and several gongs at the co-op's annual Best Site Cup awards.
New Zealand's red meat sector says the United States' decision to increase tariffs on New Zealand exports is disappointing.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
From nitrogen limits to ecosystem restoration –farmers and catchment groups are leading a new wave of environmental care, says DairyNZ.
OPINION: The Government's decision to stop local authorities going ahead with reviews of district and regional plans makes sense for several reasons.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Another milestone has been reached in the fight against Mycoplasma bovis with the compensation assistance service being wound up after helping more than 1300 farmers.
OPINION: Will synthetic milk derail NZ's economy?
OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a…
