Two new awards open to help young farmers progress to farm ownership
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Fonterra has reduced its 2020-21 forecast farmgate milk price range midpoint by 5c.
Having sold most of its milk for the 2020/21 season, Fonterra says it is now in a position to narrow this season’s range - from $7.30 - $7.90/ kgMS to $7.45 - $7.65/kgMS.
Chief executive Hurrell says, at a mid-point of $7.55/kgMS , 2020/21 would be the second year in a row with the forecast farmgate milk price above $7/kgMS.
Hurrell says since March, global dairy prices have settled, somewhat.
“This is why we have revised our midpoint down 5 cents.”
He referred to the “extraordinary” March Global Dairy Trade (GDT) event, where prices jumped 15% and contributed to the increase in its forecast 2020/21 farmgate milk price range.
Back in March, the average price for whole milk powder was over US$4,350/metric tonne. In the last three GDT events, however, the average price has reduced to close to US$4,100/metric tonne. And GDT butter prices have gone from almost US$6,000 per metric tonne to below US$5,000 per metric tonne for the first time since January, Hurrell notes.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
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