Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says the co-op has invested $2.4 billion in additional capacity over the last three years.
While the investment has come at a cost to shareholders in terms of debt servicing, Wilson says it has provided the co-op flexibility.
Speaking at the co-op's annual meeting in Waitoa today, Wilson says the co-op's debt gearing ratio will come down to 40-45% before the end of the season.
He says the increased capability will help maintain a good milk price for farmers.
"We have added 8m litres more capacity in the last year," he says.
"It has eliminated losses at peak and offers us flexibility to grow returns from value added products."
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
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