New UHT plant construction starts
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
PRICES RECEIVED BY New Zealand producers, as measured by the output producers price index (PPI), rose 2.4% in the September 2013 quarter, Statistics New Zealand says.
"The September quarter output producers price index had its biggest quarterly rise in five years. Higher farm-gate milk prices for dairy farmers and strong prices for milk powder exports contributed to this rise," prices manager Chris Pike says.
Two major upward contributions to the output PPI came from dairy cattle farming (up 29%) and dairy product manufacturing (up 14%). In contrast, electricity and gas supply prices fell 4.4% in the September 2013 quarter.
The input PPI, representing the prices of goods and services used by New Zealand producers, rose 2.2% in the September 2013 quarter. The latest increase was influenced by the higher milk prices paid by dairy producers, and higher prices for lamb and beef – due to strong demand and tight supply.
In the year to the September 2013 quarter, the output PPI was up 4.1%, while the input PPI rose 3.3%.
ACT Party conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton is calling for legislation that would ensure hunters and fishers have representation on the Conservation Authority.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) says it will investigate claims of animal cruelty made by animal rights group PETA.
Hauraki Coromandel farmer Keith Trembath was recently awarded the title of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of his contributions to public service, agriculture, and education.
Horticulture New Zealand says the recent discovery of a male Oriental fruit fly in Auckland is concerning for New Zealand growers.
Danielle Hovmand has been announced as the 2024 recipient of the New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Contiki Local Legend Award.
Over 1,000 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in the Hawke’s Bay have now been immunised against measles.
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