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Mike Montgomerie
Sustainability is not a fad and won't go away, says retiring Fonterra Co-operative Council member Mike Montgomerie.
He says sustainability will be an enduring feature of farming.
He says Fonterra is moving in the right direction when it comes to improving its environmental footprint right across its business.
Montgomerie believes farmers are also doing their fair share but admits that methane emissions are a hard nut to crack.
He hopes that some technological solutions will come to farmers' aid so that they can have a commercially viable, cost-effective way of reducing emissions.
"It will be brilliant for dairy farming. I understand there's no silver bullet but once our emissions start heading in the right direction, it will provide a lot of comfort for NZ farming families, Fonterra and the banks."
He believes sustainability is crucial to maintain Fonterra's international markets.
"The sustainability piece is most important because of the rise in alternative proteins. If you don't crack the methane emissions issues and you are up against alternatives who don't have the same problems, it is going to be trouble for us."
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
A record $10/kgMS opening forecast milk price for the new season means more money into Fonterra farmers pockets early, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
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Consumers around the world are willing to pay more for products containing dairy and this is driving demand for butter and cream, says Fonterra.
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
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Input costs can make or break a season for farmers and electricity is one of the largest expenses.
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.
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