Two milk processing plants changing hands
Two large milk processing plants in New Zealand are changing hands.
OPINION: Nearly four years after buying a 75% stake in Southland processor Mataura Valley Milk (MVM), A2 Milk is still struggling to take the plant to profitability.
In its half-year results last month, A2 says the half year was characterised by higher GDT market pricing, plus higher milk volumes processed through the MVM site. As a result, revenue of $57.4 million was $13.9 million higher than prior year, with EBITDA losses improving to $11.9 million (1H24: $15.3 million).
The company continues to work on a range of initiatives to accelerate MVM's path to profitability, which remains a key priority.
A2 Milk bought the 75% interest in MVM from China Animal Husbandry Group (CAHG), which retains a 25% stake in MVM.
The closure of the McCain processing plant and the recent announcement of 300 job losses at Wattie’s underscore the mounting pressure facing New Zealand’s manufacturing sector, Buy NZ Made says.
Specialist agriculture lender Oxbury has entered the New Zealand market, offering livestock finance to farmers.
New research suggests Aotearoa New Zealand farmers are broadly matching phosphorus fertiliser use to the needs of their soils, helping maintain relatively stable nutrient levels across the country’s agricultural land.
Helensville farmers, Donald and Kirsten Watson of Moreland Pastoral, have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Marc and Megan Lalich were named 2026 Share Farmers of the Year at last night's Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Industry Awards.
William John Poole, a third year Agribusiness student at Massey University, has been awarded the Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Scholarship.
OPINION: The good news keeps getting better for NZ dairy farmers.
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