Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra's half year results means the co-op could be back on track to break the $20 billion revenue barrier, says Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Willy Leferink.
"I think the fall in operating profit will grab attention instead of where it ought to be focussed, on revenue," says Leferink.
"This is real money coming into the New Zealand economy. I mean revenue for the half-year is up 21% to $11.3 billion. While we've got close to the $20 billion barrier in the past, this time, we've got a real chance of breaking it.
"That said, the declared drought in Northland along with drought-like conditions in the upper North Island could act like a brake. We've also seen GlobalDairyTrade retreat in recent trading events due in part to increased volume.
"That's to be expected since we are in a global commodity market."
But Leferink points out Fonterra's interim result means that every Kiwi benefits from what farmers and Fonterra does.
"Almost $7 billion dollars is spent locally by Fonterra supplier-shareholders, so it's like a shot of adrenalin into the bloodstream of our economy, the provinces.
"We also know that with every dollar in the payout farmer's receive, it puts $300 into the back pocket of every man, woman and child. If we include the dividend, a forecast $8.75/kgMS means we are talking thousands of dollars.
"That's the dairy dividend everyone has a stake in."
"Leferink says the fall in profit is concerning and reflects the higher cost of milk.
Profit is a direct marker for value-add and the overall performance of the co-op as a company, he says.
"As shareholders we need to ask questions because the dividend leaves a little bit of a sour taste in an otherwise spectacular half year," says Leferink.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…