Fonterra on track to deliver $1bn capital
Fonterra remains on track to deliver around $1 billion of capital to farmer shareholders and unit holders in two years.
The Fonterra Shareholders' Council, which represents the cooperative's 10,500 Farmer Shareholders, said it was important for regional councils to work closely with affected farmers and re-examine nitrate level targets following the announcement by Ravensdown and Ballance to suspend the sale and use of Dicyandiamide (DCD) treatment on farm.
The decision was prompted after minimal levels of the nitrate inhibiter were found in dairy product samples and while its presence poses no health risk the suspension of its use is seen by all parties as a pragmatic, proactive move.
Shareholders' Council chairman, Ian Brown: "Fonterra Farmers and regional councils have been working hard to develop plans for reducing nitrate levels and greenhouse gas emissions on farm and DCD was identified as an efficient way of achieving these.
"The outcome is disappointing for all stakeholders and will affect the ability of around 400 farmers to meet the nitrate level targets which were set based on the ongoing use of DCD - targets they have been working hard to meet.
"We are confident that regional councils and all stakeholders will continue to work closely with Fonterra and our affected farmers in order to review the targets."
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
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