Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
The Global Dairy Trade price index was up 6.6% overnight, with the all-important whole milk powder up 9.9%.
Key Results:
AMF index up 4.7%, average price US$3,797/MT
Butter index up 6.6%, average price US$2,871/MT
BMP index up 7.7%, average price US$1,661/MT
Ched index down 0.8%, average price US$2,889/MT
LAC index up 3.7%, average price US$741/MT
RenCas index up 16.3%, average price US$6,161/MT
SMP index up 2.1%, average price US$1,965/MT
WMP index up 9.9%, average price US$2,265/MT
ASB rural economist Nathan Penny says the overall result was stronger than their expectations heading in; they expected WMP prices to lift by between 5% and 7%.
The bounce was also broad-based. On top of the WMP increase, casein prices surged 16%, while butter and BMP rose 7% and 8%, respectively. Only cheddar prices recorded a fall.
"From here, we expect rapidly tightening global supply to lift prices further over 2016," he says.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?