Returns lift, costs down - DairyNZ
The outlook for dairy farmers this season has improved, especially when compared to forecasts only six months ago, according to DairyNZ.
The global dairy price index recorded its second straight drop overnight.
The GDT price index was down 3.4% compared to the previous auction; since early May, the GDT price index has suffered two declines after a golden run of price increases from December 2018.
The whole milk powder index was down 1.5% to US$3,138/metric tonne, despite Fonterra reporting drop in milk production both in NZ and Australia.
Key results
AMF index down 5.7%, average price US$5,752/MT
Butter index down 10.3%, average price US$4,805/MT
BMP index down 10.1%, average price US$2,807/MT
Ched index down 14.0%, average price US$3,950/MT
LAC index up 0.4%, average price US$897/MT
RenCas index up 4.2%, average price US$7,201/MT
SMP index down 4.0%, average price US$2,436/MT
SWP index not available, average price not available
WMP index down 1.5%, average price US$3,138/MT
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.