Dairy sector profit still on the table, but margin gap tightens
DairyNZ’s latest Econ Tracker update shows most farms will still finish the season in a positive position, although the gap has narrowed compared with early season expectations.
Farmers are being urged to have their say — via the internet — on the Government’s proposed Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill.
And politicians are being told to get into the countryside to listen to dairy farmers flat out with calving.
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle is welcoming the opportunity to engage constructively and share the industry perspective on the Bill.
But he points out that dairy farmers furiously busy with calving cannot get to Wellington to talk to the parliamentary environment select committee hearing submissions on the Bill.
DairyNZ is encouraging dairy farmers across New Zealand to tell the politicians what they think, says Mackle.
Mackle notes that appearing before the parliamentary select committee in July and August would be difficult for farmers as those months mark the start of calving season.
“That’s why I have written to parliament’s environment select committee this week to urge them to travel throughout provincial NZ to hear submissions in the main agricultural centres.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.