Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
Fonterra Shareholders' Council chairman, Duncan Coull, says record breaking efforts of shareholders saw 65% of farms, representing 73% of milksolids, cast their votes.
"This is an outstanding result for our co-op," says Coull.
"Fonterra farmers value the principle of 100% ownership and control and it is great to see shareholders, as the owners of Fonterra, come out in numbers to decide the direction in which their co-op will travel.
"My view is that the health of our co-op is dependent on our shareholders and their willingness to participate in the decision making processes and based on the participation rates in this Election I would suggest that our co-op is in very good shape."
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
OPINION: Expect the Indian free trade deal to feature strongly in the election campaign.
OPINION: One of the world's largest ice cream makers, Nestlé, is going cold on the viability of making the dessert.