Dairy prices down as are costs
Dairy prices are easing but cost inflation is down across the board, providing some relief to farmers.
One of New Zealand dairy awards' key national sponsors, Westpac is pulling out this month.
A NZ Sairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) statement says Westpac NZ has decided to not continue as a national sponsor after a 10-year association. NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon says Westpac NZ leaving is a bit like losing a family member.
"The NZDIA is a family of volunteers and sponsors with a deep, connected history," he said.
"Westpac have worked closely on regional committees as treasurers or judges, and are part of the National judging teams, which has created long-lasting deep relationships with the rising stars of the dairy industry.
"We would like to sincerely thank Westpac for their dedication and support over the years and will be sad to see them go at the end of June."
Westpac NZ sponsorship lead Todd Johnstone thanked the Awards organisers for their 15 years of support and wished them all the best for the future.
"New Zealand has the best dairy farmers in the world. These awards play an important role in showcasing the hard graft, leadership and innovation of those farmers and we're proud to have played a part in their ongoing success," Johnstone said.
"We're always looking for ways to support rural communities and will continue our strong presence through our sponsorship of the rescue helicopters and the NZ Rural Games."
The Awards are comprised of 11 regional programmes which consist of several regional events and two rounds of judging, each culminating in a regional awards dinner. Winners from each region then go on to the National Awards.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.
OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.
OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…