Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
The co-op’s group director global external affairs Simon Tucker says they are working to fully understand and assess the exact implications of new tariffs announced today.
As part of his much touted ‘Liberation Day’ announcement, President Donald Trump announced far-reaching new tariffs on nearly all US trading partners — a 34% tax on imports from China and 20% on the European Union, among others. All New Zealand and Australian imports will now attract a 10% tariff.
Fonterra is a key ingredient supplier to some of the US’ largest ready-to-drink product makers. This includes Premier Nutrition Company, owners of Premier Protein, the number one brand in the US ready-to-drink category. The new tariff means additional costs across the supply chain and ultimately, a higher price for US consumers.
Tucker says Fonterra wants to avoid tariffs in all its markets.
“Obviously, we always want to avoid any increases in tariffs or other trade barriers across all the markets we operate in.
“Tariffs and other trade barriers create additional costs across the supply chain, which are ultimately borne by local consumers.
“Fonterra has a long history of navigating difficult and protected trade environments, and we will continue to do so during the period ahead.”
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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