Eroding share of milk worries Fonterra shareholders
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
An $800 million tax-free capital return announced by Fonterra will be "very welcomed" by farmers, says Federated Farmers dairy section chair Richard McIntyre.
He says the capital return, planned for October, will help farm budgets under pressure from a drop in the forecast milk price and rising input costs.
"We started the year with a forecast price of $9.50/kgMS and it has dropped to $8.50," McIntyre told Dairy News.
"This left a bit of a hole in the budget. For many farmers this season will be break even.
"Therefore, this extra money will be very welcome"
Fonterra had previously indicated an intension to return $1 billion to shareholders and unit holders.
However, this was linked to the sale of its Chilean Soprole business and a review of its Australian business.
In November last year, Fonterra announced that it had sold its Soprole business for $1.005 billion.
However, the co-op also decided to retain its Australian assets.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says following completion of the sale of Soprole, it intends to reduce debt and return around 50 cents per share and unit.
"We are aiming for a record date for the proposed tax free capital return in late September 2023, with cash to be received by our farmer owners and unit holders the following month.
"Implementation of the capital return will require a Scheme of Arrangement to be voted on by shareholders, and approval by the High Court, which is a common process for this type of transaction.
"More information on this process will be provided to our farmer owners and unit holders in due course."
Fonterra remains committed to a strong balance sheet as well as an "A" band credit rating, he adds.
He also noted that the sale of Soprole remains subject to satisfaction of condition previously announced, including commencement of an irrevocable public tender offer process in Chile for the outstanding shares in Soprole not already owned by Fonterra.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.
Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.
WoolWorks, New Zealand’s largest wool-scouring company, has partnered with the Lions Club of Riverton to help raise money for much-needed repairs to the Southland town’s swimming pool.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.