Solid half-year result for Fonterra
Fonterra has reported a solid half-year result – an 8% lift in profit after tax to $729 million.
Embattled milk processor Synlait is the latest to increase its forecast base milk price for the 2024/25 season.
In an announcement to the NZX this morning, Synlait said it would lift its forecast to $8.60/kgMS, up from $8/kgMS.
Despite this increase, the milk processor says it will continue to take a ‘conservative’ approach to its 2024/25 forecast due to exposure to what it describes as volatile future dairy commodity prices earlier in the season.
“Retention of Synlait’s milk supply remains a critical priority for the company,” the statement says. “Synlait is committed to delivering a competitive milk price and advanced rate profile, which has also been lifted for 2024/2025 to ensure the company’s on-farm offering remains attractive to farmer suppliers.”
Synlait says it will continue to monitor future forecast movements and its final milk price for the 2023/24 season will be confirmed when the company’s full-year results are revealed at the end of this month.
The announcement comes just two weeks after Fonterra announced its new forecast range of $7.75 - $9.25/kgMS, meaning a midpoint of $8.50/kgMS.
It also comes as Synlait attempts to pass a recapitalisation plan which would see $218 million in shares offered to its two largest shareholders, Bright Dairy of China and the a2 Milk Company (a2MC).
Currently, Bright Dairy owns 39% of Synlait but under the deal that would increase to approximately two thirds of the listed company. Meanwhile, a2MC would retain its 19.83% stake.
A special shareholder meeting has been scheduled for September 18 to confirm the recapitalisation.
Sitting Beef + Lamb NZ farmer director Scott Gower has been voted out by farmers.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) says it will be working alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) as they attempt to improve access to veterinary medicines.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes a recent court decision which granted a stay on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until legislative changes can be made by government.
A holistic approach to sustainability sees Pukatea Dairy Farms take out the top award at this year's Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Registrations are now open for the highly anticipated South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) 2025, taking place April 7-9 in Timaru.
Scientists from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are part of an international team working to develop a low-cost diagnostic tool that could significantly improve food crop production in developing countries.
OPINION: Two Australian cheesemakers have rescued the iconic Tasmanian cheese company King Island Dairy.
OPINION: World famous liqueur maker Baileys is the latest to dabble with plant-based products.