increase font size
Jason Minkhorst.
Fonterra says Farm Source has delivered millions in value to more than 9000 Fonterra farmers since its launch in Methven a year ago.
Farm Source Stores director Jason Minkhorst says farmers have already earned $5.7 million in Reward Dollars through Fonterra Farm Source.
They are on track to deliver $14 million in discounts on key products by the end of this year, he says.
"Fonterra Farm Source was created to make the most of the unity and strength of our cooperative and provide a whole new level of support for our farmers. We've combined services, expertise, rewards, digital technology and financial options together with local Farm Source hubs to support the major dairying regions throughout the country," says Minkhorst.
Since its launch, Fonterra Farm Source has introduced:
· Seven new heads of cooperative affairs leading regional teams, providing better on-the-ground support to farmers
· Farm Source Stores, or Hubs, within the regions with a new level of services, deals and facilities
· A rewards programme that offers exclusive deals for Fonterra farmers
· Discounts creating significant savings for farmers on fuel, phone, power, telecoms and more
· Tools and services to help farmers manage the financial side of their businesses
· A digital platform providing access to key farming information, advice, support, products, deals and rewards online, on mobile, on demand.
Minkhorst says the numbers show Fonterra Farm Source is well placed to support farmers through unprecedented market volatility.
"Our stores have maintained very good performance in a tough environment, increasing our market share significantly.
"While global volatility has affected both our milk price and earnings, we have been able to introduce initiatives to support the co-op's farmers through this period."
Minkhorst says, in addition to the value delivered through discounts and rewards, more than 6000 farmers have benefited from Farm Source Store interest-free deferred terms, and 75% of shareholders applied for the 50 cent Cooperative Support loan.
"These initiatives give us a real point of difference and show the strength of being part of the co-operative."
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
Timpack, one of New Zealand's largest wooden pallet and bin manufacturers, has been rewarded an exclusive contract to supply Fonterra.
OPINION: Fonterra isn't backing down in its fight with Greenpeace over the labelling of its iconic Anchor Butter.
OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving late.' 'The portions are wrong.' 'I wanted caviar.'
An outright sale of Fonterra’s global consumer business is more likely than a float, says Forsyth Barr senior analyst equities, Matt Montgomerie.
This International Women's Day, there are calls to address a reported gender disparity gap between men women New Zealand's horticulture industry leadership.
WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.
Now is not the time to stop incorporating plantain into dairy pasture systems to reduce nitrogen (N) loss, says Agricom Australasia brand manager Mark Brown.
Building on the success of last year's events, the opportunity to attend People Expos is back for 2025, offering farmers the chance to be inspired and gain more tips and insights for their toolkits to support their people on farm.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser SustaiN – which contains a urease inhibitor that reduces the amount of ammonia released to the air – has now been registered by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It is the first fertiliser in New Zealand to achieve this status.
Precision application of nitrogen can improve yields, but the costs of testing currently outweigh improved returns, according to new research from Plant and Food Research, MPI and Ravensdown.
OPINION: Donald Trump's focus on Canada is causing concern for the country’s dairy farmers.
OPINION: The fact that plant-based dairy is struggling to gain a market foothold isn’t deterring new entrants.
