OCD slashes forecast milk price
The country's second largest milk processor has slashed its forecast milk price range for the last third of this season by 50c.
Open Country Dairy (OCD) is donating 11 tonnes of milk powder for distribution to the poor and needy.
The company says it recently produced 11,000 1kg sachets of milk powder to support The Foodbank Project across New Zealand.
Chief executive Steve Koekemoer says the product will be distributed around the country over the coming weeks.
“Covid and the associated difficult economic situation means that many New Zealanders are having a tough time currently,” he recently told OCD suppliers. We felt that we wanted to give back and support our communities and the people in need.”
The Foodbank Project sends out 2000 parcels a week; demand is expected to double when the wage subsidy is discontinued.
OCD says, as a business, it is glad to have the opportunity to help those in need.
Tessa Reardon, for the Foodbank Project, is assisting OCD with allocating donations to communities and food banks across NZ, specifically in regions where the company’s suppliers are located.
About 240 bags will be sent to hubs in Invercargill, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Hamilton and Wanganui, and then distributed to smaller communities and food banks.
The Foodbank Project says that the milk powder is put in most of the food parcels and is the ideal staple as it doesn’t require chilling and can be mixed to create other food.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.