Fonterra shaves 50c off forecast milk price
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
Former Fonterra director Greg Gent says boards of 13 are prehistoric.
Gent was commenting on early results showing over 54% support for a motion to reduce the size of the board to nine.
He thanked Fonterra shareholders for their support.
"Getting 54% support from a turnout of 73% (based on milk solids) is great," he says.
Gent says he will not be standing for the board again.
"Our motion has always been about a fitter and leaner board for shareholders."
The motion requires 75% support to change the constitution and will not achieve that.
About 300 Fonterra shareholders at the meeting have cast their votes and they are being counted; during debate it appeared that shareholders at the meeting were split almost 50/50 on the issue.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.

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