Synlait CEO Resignation Highlights Deeper Challenges Facing Dairy Processor
A revolving door of chief executives at milk processor Synlait is a warning sign, says Lincon University senior lecturer in agribusiness Nic Lees.
Taupo-based Māori dairy company, Miraka, celebrated a major milestone last week – the production of the billionth pack of UHT milk.
The so-called UHT bricks are in fact 250ml Tetra Packs, which Miraka produces exclusively for the Chinese market.
Chief executive Richard Wyeth says UHT production for China began on August 20, 2014 and it has taken just under six years to produce the billionth pack.
“We had a fantastic celebration to mark the occasion with special guests including the Mayor of Taupo, a representative of Terry Lee, and the Chinese Consul from Auckland coming along for the occasion,” he says.
Wyeth says this is an outstanding result for the production team at Miraka. He says, according to Tetra Pack, the Miraka production line is the top performer in Australasia. UHT is an important product for Miraka accounting for 20% of their total milk supply.
Miraka has two production lines producing UHT milk and Wyeth says they plan to put in a third line to produce concentrated milk.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
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