increase font size
New Zealand collections in December were 185 million kgMS, 5% up on the same month last season.
Milk collection throughout New Zealand is increasing, according to Fonterra’s latest global dairy update.
The co-op’s milk collection across New Zealand for the seven months to December 31 reached 914 million kgMS, up 4% on the same period last season.
New Zealand collections in December were 185 million kgMS, 5% up on the same month last season.
Fonterra says the mix of fine weather and rain in December saw soil moisture and pasture levels recover across most of the country.
Overall good animal health and favourable weather resulted in milk volumes ahead of last season, which was a three-year low where weather conditions and other factors had an adverse impact.
Fonterra’s North Island milk collection in December was 109 million kgMS, 7% higher than December last season. Milk production in Central Districts and Waikato continues to track above last season due to good spring and on-farm conditions, it says.
North Island milk collection for the 2018/19 season to date reached 567 million kgMS, up 4%.
South Island milk collection in December was 76 million kgMS, 2% higher than December last season. Warm and dry weather in December has improved pasture growth in Otago/ Southland where flooding had occurred during November.
“Favourable conditions are expected to continue, with grass growth looking secure throughout early summer. Good grass growth and pasture cover in Canterbury.,” the co-op says.
South Island milk collection for the 2018/19 season to date reached 347 million kgMS, up 5%.
However, Fonterra milk collection in Australia has taken a hit, down 14% over the six months ending December 31.
High input costs and poor seasonal conditions continue, resulting in increased cow cull rates, decreasing the season’s milk production. As national volumes decline, the milk supply market continues to be highly competitive, the co-op says.
OPINION: There is zero chance that someone who joined Fonterra as a lobbyist, then served as a general manager of Fonterra's nutrient management programme, and sat on the board of Export NZ, a division of lobbyist group Business New Zealand, doesn't understand that local butter (and milk and cheese) prices are set by the international commodity price.
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
An A$2 billion bid for Fonterra's Oceania business would be great news, according to Forsyth Barr senior analyst, equities, Matt Montgomerie.
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.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait's recovery seems to have hit another snag.
