GE release 'will taint NZ's reputation, cost billions'
OPINION: At the September Fonterra results meeting in Waihi, I raised concerns about the viability and risks of releasing GE in New Zealand.
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.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be fronting farmers at three large public meetings organised by Federated Farmers over the coming weeks.
Federated Farmers and a major Australian-owned bank are at loggerheads over emissions reduction targets set for New Zealand farmer clients.
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Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.
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