What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
The co-op is currently tracking 8% down on last season on a weekly basis.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says farmers are responding to the tough economic conditions.
"With cow numbers down, less supplements being fed and challenging weather conditions for much of the country, we now expect production to be down by more than 5% for the season," says Wilson.
Last year, the co-op collected 1,614 million kgMS, up 2% on the previous season.
