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.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.