Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
The Global Dairy Auction suffered its sixth successive fall last night with the average price index dropping 4.3% to US $2,412/MT.
The auction saw a price decline for almost all products offered.
Fonterra’s key product whole milk powder dropped 3.1% to US$2,309/MT, while skim milk powder declined 1.3% to US$1,982/MT.
However, butter saw the biggest decline dropping 10% to an average price of US$2,619/MT.
Large declines were also seen for anhydrous milk fat and butter milk powder, which fell 7.4% (US$3,112/MT) and 7% (US$1,795/MT) respectively.
Lactose and rennet casein also fell, with lactose down 6.9% to US$540/MT and rennet casein dropping 4.4% to US$5,789/MT.
Some 27,111 tonnes of product was traded, 4.4% more than at the previous auction.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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