Keeping cyber attacks at bay
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
Fonterra has confirmed none of the potentially affected whey protein concentrate (WPC80) was supplied by Fonterra to Russia, Belarus or Kazakhstan.
In addition, no Fonterra products sent to these countries used the affected whey protein concentrate as an ingredient.
Fonterra is working closely with the authorities of the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to reassure them of the safety of its products.
This follows last week's precautionary recall in which Fonterra advised eight of its customers of a potential quality issue involving three batches of a particular type of whey protein concentrate (WPC80) produced at a single New Zealand manufacturing site in May 2012.
Miles Hurrell, general manager for Fonterra in the Middle East, Africa and the CIS, said, "Fonterra primarily supplies butter and cheese to the Russian market and these are not made using whey protein concentrate."
Last week, both the New Zealand Government and Fonterra confirmed that New Zealand dairy exports such as whole and skim milk powders, as well as butter and cheese are safe.
"We are continuing to work closely with New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries to provide reassurances to customers, consumers and trade partners of the safety of New Zealand dairy products," said Hurrell.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.