Farmers must have right to choose on GE - Langford
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
This morning's announcement by Fonterra to drop its forecast payout will lump more pressure on dairy farmers and they will be counting down the days to end of the season.
Federated Farmers dairy industry chair Andrew Hoggard made the comment as Fonterra trimmed its 2015-16 season from $4.15/kgMS to $3.90/kgMS
"More and more farmers will be really feeling the pressure," says Hoggard.
"This cut , which was not unexpected given the string of low auction prices, means we need to be even more pro-active around budgeting and scenario planning, and make the most of the support available from DairyNZ, accountants and farm advisors."
Federated Farmers and DairyNZ will this week commence a series of six regional meetings for sharemilkers and their farm owners. Sharemilkers, particularly those who do not own their herd, are the most vulnerable in the current market conditions.
"Our message to these guys is to stay the course if you possibly can. Some flexibility from farm owners can go a long way, so getting both groups in one room to talk through the options can only be a good thing," says Hoggard.
Hoggard is also calling for the Reserve Bank to cut the official cash rate this Thursday.
"There are already plenty of reasons for the Reserve Bank to cut the OCR. This is another one. Anything that can ease the pressure on farmers' bottom line will help get as many dairy farmers as possible through the current season. There will be a new level of resilience that comes out of what we're experiencing, but that will be lost if farmers are forced out of the industry. Economic factors support a cut in the official cash rate and that would be a welcome boost after today's news."
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
OPINION: Is it the beginning of the end for Greenpeace?
OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.