Keeping cyber attacks at bay
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
Fonterra's December milk collection was down 4.8% versus the same month in 2015.
In the North Island, milk collection was down 6% year-on-year, while milk collection in the South Island fell 2.9% for the month, according to My Farm agri global report for January.
Meanwhile, while consistent rain and low summer temperatures have kept grass green and growing in most parts of the North Island, though dry conditions prevail in Northland and Hawke’s Bay.
In Northland cows are being milked on supplements with the region reportedly at its driest for 10 years, affecting production.
However, pastures in the South Island are much greener, as a mild summer has created excellent conditions for grass growth.
In North Canterbury, farms have moved out of the drought, however in Southland rain, warmth and sunlight have all tracked below normal in recent weeks, putting pressure on pasture.
But palm kernel expeller (PKE) imports have tanked, accord to the report.
During the first 11 months of 2016, PKE imports declined 29% versus the same period in 2015 to 1.36mt.
On this basis, PKE imports in 2016 were the lowest since 2012 (1.16mt), suggesting plentiful local stocks as a result of strong purchases during late 2015 and early 2016, and reduced supplement use in the prevailing low farmgate price environment.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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