Keeping cyber attacks at bay
Fonterra says it takes the ongoing threat of 'adverse cyber action' extremely seriously.
FONTERRA CHAIRMAN John Wilson says 'solutions not problems' is the way the co-op works to support its farmer shareholders.
Speaking at the co-op's annual general meeting this week in Palmerston North, Wilson highlighted unity and collective strength.
"We have that strength and this year we really challenged ourselves to come up with ways we could use it more effectively for you.
We are very aware of the increasingly diverse expectations you as farmers have of your co-operative, and the changing demands for information."
Wilson says Fonterra has worked to provide significantly more support both at a community leadership and on-farm level in the environmental area, working closely with Dairy NZ and other providers.
"We have made good progress but we recognise we can do more, as we strive to balance our aim to provide high levels of service to our owners, while also addressing compliance responsibilities."
Recently, Fonterra announced Farm Source – where it's rebranding its RD1 stores and rolling out incentives for farmers.
Wilson says it's designed to support you to succeed and grow so the co-op can increase its milk supply in New Zealand.
He stressed that growing the New Zealand milk supply is core to Fonterra's business.
But he says Farm Source is not just a rebrand.
"We would not waste hard-earned farmers' money in that way. It is a total re-look at the way our cooperative supports you as owners.
Farm Source connects our farmers to the full strength of our cooperative through a coherent package of service, support, rewards, online and financial options. It is a significant step up in the way we will work with you. We are bringing our farm support focus directly into the regions to better meet your requirements."
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
OPINION: The world is bracing for a trade war between the two biggest economies.