Editorial: Sensible move
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Farmers and sharemilkers are reminded to update existing business agreements as they face joint liability for meeting upcoming changes in respect of their using palm kernel (PKE) as feed.
Federated Farmers says extensive consulation has resulted in a “fair resolution” for both parties.
Farm owners and sharemilkers in current agreements should seek to add a clause to address this new (joint liability) risk.
New agreements will also have an additional clause under milk grading and feed to direct the parties.
“We conclude this is the fairest way to allocate these new ‘demerits’ as per the revenue share of milk production,” says Feds sharemilker farm owners’ section chair, Tony Wilding. “We intend to update federation contracts to acknowledge these changes.”
Fonterra will introduce a grading system next September to measure milk fat composition, which changes with excessive use of PKE affecting manufacturing capability and seasonal customer preferences.
Fonterra farmers who don’t comply with new recommended levels for cows’ PKE intake will be penalised.
Lisa Payne, regional head of Fonterra Farm Source, explained that the fat evaluation index (FEI) grading system will help farmers supply milk with the right fat composition, to enable the co-op to continue making products that meet customer specifications and provide the best return to farmers.
“The co-op has a responsibility to constantly evolve to meet customers’ needs, and provide the highest value return for milk,” Payne said.
Most farmers’ milk has the correct fat composition, and the FEI grading system will help others meet this requirement.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
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