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.
Fonterra says there is a genuine understanding among farmer shareholders about the global demand for sustainably produced dairy.
The co-operative’s group director Farm Source, Richard Allen, says Fonterra’s competitors in the US and Europe are bolstering their environmental credentials.
He was commenting on the launch of details of how the co-op will pay farmers for producing sustainable, high quality milk as part of the ‘co-operative difference’ framework.
From June 1, 2021, up to 10 cents of each farm’s milk payment will be determined by the farm’s sustainability credentials and milk quality.
The 10c/kgMS ‘co-operative difference’ payment is made up of two parts: 7c/kgMS for achievements under environment, co-op & prosperity, animals, and people & community focus areas.
Once these targets are achieved, another 3c/kgMS will be awarded to farmers who meet the ‘excellence’ standard under the milk quality framework.
Allen says the payment is another way Fonterra can recognise farmers.
“We want to reward the on-farm efforts that demonstrate our co-op’s care for the environment, animals, people and communities. It’s these actions which help ensure we’re the dairy company of choice for customers around the world and for New Zealand dairy farmers, for generations to come,” says Allen.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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