Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
The Global Dairy Trade price index was up marginally in the auction overnight with a gain of 0.9%.
The result was the sixth consecutive gain – but nowhere near the hefty 6.7% increase at the last auction two weeks ago.
Key product whole milk powder (WMP) was up just 0.3% to an average price of US$3022/MT.
There were 120 winning bidders from a field of 169 and 25,324MT of product was sold at an average price of US$3271/MT.
Key results
AMF index up 0.7%, average price US$5,620/MT
Butter index up 1.2%, average price US$4,495/MT
BMP not offered
Ched index up 2.9%, average price US$3,667/MT
LAC index down 2.9%, average price US$998/MT
RenCas index up 2.7%, average price US$5,740/MT
SMP index up 2.8%, average price US$2,580/MT
SWP index not available, average price not available
WMP index up 0.3%, average price US$3,022/MT
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
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As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
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New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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