Less hot air
OPINION: Farmers won't get any credit for this from the daily media, so Milking It is giving the bouquets where they’re due.
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says the low forecast farmgate milk price is already putting a lot of pressure on dairy farmers and their cashflows.
He says if the drought is as bad as some people are saying, this will add to that pressure.
Van der Poel says while the potential for a drought is yet another stress, the good news is farmers have plenty of warning and can plan for what might be in store.
“We at DairyNZ are encouraging farmers to plan. We have a lot of resources, and we are running a lot of events to help farmers prepare for both the low payout and then what their options are to manage their way through a drought, should it turn up,” he told Dairy News.
He says many of the regions that could be hit by the drought have endured huge amounts of rain in the year and the prospect of facing a drought is tough on people.
He says the industry is hopeful the banks will help farmers through the impending tough times. He says the banks recognise that farmers have been very responsible in good seasons and paid down debt, so some are in a strong position.
“The banks have indicated that they will be sympathetic to farmers, and he hope this happens,” he says.
Van der Poel says if farmers need any help, all they need to do is call the DairyNZ 0800 number and they will be put them in touch with someone who can give them assistance.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
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