increase font size
Current dry weather in Canterbury is expected to have little impact on Synlait Milk's milk supply because almost all Synlait suppliers have reliable irrigation water access.
Managing director Dr John Penno says Synlait is not seeing a drop in milk production, which remains at budgeted levels.
"This is consistent with what we've seen in the past with dry weather, which Canterbury farmers are used to. We have reviewed the factors at play and do not expect it to have much of an impact on our milk supply," SAYSDr Penno.
"However, we are monitoring the situation closely as weather conditions may change this position at any stage."
Dr Penno says a benefit of the mid-Canterbury region Synlait operates in is that nearly all Synlait suppliers are irrigated with reliable water sources. Those who aren't are largely in high rainfall areas.
"We've been in touch with a large number of our farmers. It's tough for them at the moment, but most of them are upbeat and share our view that the weather we're experiencing is not unusual and they are expecting low levels, if any, of lost production at this stage," says Dr Penno.
"Overall, the majority of our suppliers have access to reliable irrigation water and with longer sunshine hours this can actually mean good pasture production on farm. On the other hand, if irrigation water becomes unusually restricted, farmers will be weighing up what measures they can put in place in the context of the season's low forecast milk price."
Synlait has also recently announced autumn premium payments to encourage suppliers to produce more milk late in the season.
Synlait's Board will review its milk price at their next meeting in late January and an announcement will be made following that.
Dr Penno says Synlait shareholders will likely want to understand how both weather conditions and any milk price update impacts the business, therefore a statement will be released to the NZX following that meeting.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
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.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
The 'atmospheric river' of rain that swept down the country last week almost completely avoided one of the worst drought-affected regions in the country – coastal Taranaki.
Much-needed rain finally arrived in Northland, giving many farmers breathing space to get themselves back on track for next season.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
