Fonterra unveils divestment plan
Fonterra is exploring full or partial divestment options for its global Consumer business, as well as its integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.
Fonterra Shareholders Council says the co-op's 45c drop in the 2015-16 forecast payout is a sobering blow to farmers.
Council chairman, Duncan Coull, says today's announcement of a 45 cent fall in the 2015-16 forecast Farmgate Milk Price, from $4.60/kgMS to $4.15/kgMS, is one that will further amplify the effects of the current low milk price environment on Farmers and their businesses.
"Farmers are very aware that this is a global story which is now having a significant local effect. Strong supply out of Europe coupled with flat demand is driving market sentiment as evidenced by the GDT results.
"While acknowledging that the milk price is something that is largely out of our co-op's control, farmers are always looking to the Board to communicate any significant price fluctuations that occur throughout the season in a very timely manner.
"Looking forward our Farmers will be expecting our co-operative model, which sees shareholders benefit from milk price and the value-add side of the business, to deliver for them in terms of the total available for payout.
"In the interim I encourage farmers to sit down with their rural professionals and seek guidance on how best to navigate through these tough times.
"Of equal importance is that they stay connected to their communities, and engaged with their co-op, especially in the current environment."
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
New Zealand farmers are committed to making their businesses more resilient to climate change and are embracing innovation to help them do so.