Coutts appointed chair-elect of Mainland Group
Fonterra has named Elizabeth (Liz) Coutts the chair of Mainland Group, the proposed divestment entity of the co-operative’s consumer business.
Fonterra is urging its farmers to streamline the use of palm kernel expeller (PKE) on farm.
The co-op is recommending PKE guidelines to its farmers of a maximum of 3kg/per cow/per day and says this will future-proof its position as a supplier of high-quality pasture-based milk products.
PKE is a by-product of the palm oil industry in South East Asia; it is derived from the nut of the palm fruit after the oil is mechanically extracted.
PKE is a dry, gritty meal with a soapy smell and has low palatability until cows get a taste for it. However, PKE has reasonable levels of energy (ME) and protein, and is relatively easy to introduce to cows over a range of farm systems.
Fonterra group director cooperative affairs Miles Hurrell says that consumers globally are driving a trend towards dairy products that are sourced from pasture-based milk.
"More than ever consumers want to know what is in their food and where it comes from.
"We are in a unique position to make the most of this trend to enhance returns to our farmers who are already renowned for producing the best milk in the world. This recognition is a direct result of our farmers' pasture-based farming model.
"This gives us a key competitive advantage globally. Our milk products have an excellent reputation and we want to maintain that, and stay ahead of increasing consumer expectations. Already on GDT a premium is often paid for products made from New Zealand milk compared to products made from milk sourced in other countries."
This commitment has seen Fonterra advsing its farmers that it is establishing guidelines for the use of PKE) as a supplementary feed for dairy cows. Hurrell says going forward the cooperative is recommending PKE guidelines to its farmers of a maximum of 3kg/per cow/per day.
"After pasture, PKE is one of the cheapest supplementary feed options for farmers, and our data shows that use of PKE is increasing. We recommend our farmers follow these guidelines in order to future-proof the cooperative's position, while upholding our high standards of animal welfare.
"The recommended maximum of 3kg/per day/per cow is a voluntary guideline and we will be working with our farmers to help them maximise on-farm profitability while ensuring the health of their herd," says Hurrell.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…