Fonterra's Whareroa Wins Directors Award
Fonterra's Whareroa site took home the prestigious Directors Award at the co-op's 'Oscars of Manufacturing', while Clandeboye led the way with multiple wins at this year's Best Site Cup.
Fonterra's milk collection in New Zealand for the seven months to December 31 reached 972 million kgMS, 4% higher than the same period last year, the cooperative says.
However the rate of growth has continued to slow, mainly driven by reduced South Island production growth, Fonterra says in its latest Global Dairy Update.
North Island collection in December was 4% higher than December last season. Some rain in dairy regions in the North Island supported grass growth and increased production.
South Island collection in December was 1% higher than the same month the previous season.
"Growing conditions have improved in Southland after a cold start to the season. However, dry conditions are impacting pasture growth across the east coast of the South Island and farmers will be watching this closely as irrigation restrictions may be put in place," the update says.
Fonterra's milk collection in Australia for the six months to December 31 reached 71 million kgMS, 6% higher than the same period last season. However in December it was 3% lower than December in the last season. Dry conditions are impacting pasture growth across most of south east Australia.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.
South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst has been elected as the new president of Federated Farmers.
Dairy continues to be the mainstay of the country's primary export earnings.
China remains New Zealand’s biggest market, taking $23 billion of our exports, but it’s no longer a commodity story, says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
For Jane Smith, becoming a Ravensdown director has been a way she can actively contribute to something quite personal to her - protecting and strengthening a co-operative she deeply believes in.
Lactalis New Zealand has opened a new distribution centre in Christchurch, marking a significant investment in the company's South Island supply chain capability.