Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
OPINION: In recent years Fonterra has been ridiculed by commentators about the fact that it has been upstaged by a young dairy company, a2 Milk.
Just last August, a2 was living the dream, reporting a bumper after-tax profit of $385.6 million on revenues of $1.73 billion.
Its share price, which at one stage had dropped to 10c, hit the giddy heights of $21.50, valuing the company at $15.9 billion, above NZ's biggest co-op.
But the tables have turned. Thanks to three successive profit downgrades, a2's fortunes have tumbled.
In recent weeks, its share price was $9.50, meaning the company has more than halved in value in little over six months.
It's currently worth about $7 billion.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
OPINION: Expect the Indian free trade deal to feature strongly in the election campaign.
OPINION: One of the world's largest ice cream makers, Nestlé, is going cold on the viability of making the dessert.