Data sharing initiative wins national award for saving farmers time
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
Fonterra says the marketplace for organic milk is very competitive and the market-linked organic milk price will help the co-op to secure a steady stream of organic milk.
The growth of the organics business is good news for the whole co-operative, says Paul Grave, head of co-op affairs for Waikato.
"Organic farmers actively participate in creating value by providing Fonterra with a certified organic milk stream, and all farmer shareholders share in the value created by the organic business through dividend payments."
Increasing demand for organic milk products, and organic food in general, is leading to high prices for these products in international markets. While global milk prices have been volatile recently, prices for organic dairy ingredients have remained at the same relatively high levels since 2013-14, says Grave.
"Organic milk prices are high because consumers' appetite for organic milk products is growing faster than supply."
The margins the cooperative is achieving on its organic milk products are similar to some of its highest-earning consumer and food service products.
"By selling higher-value products at premium market rates, the long-term organics strategy reflects Fonterra's priority to drive more value from every drop of milk," says Grave.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
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