New UHT plant construction starts
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
Fonterra farmers are disappointed with the half-year results announced by Fonterra today, says Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman, Ian Brown.
He says the interim dividend of 10 cents/share and forecast range of 20-30c/share for the 2014-15 season is disappointing, especially given the current milk price.
Brown says farmers were expecting a higher dividend.
"That Fonterra has maintained the 2014-15 forecast farmgate milk price at $4.70/kgMS is a positive given the volatility experienced throughout the season to date however shareholders had an expectation that their cooperative would have delivered a higher dividend," says Brown.
"Shareholders rightfully want to see the strategy provide a return on their investment, especially given the low milk price environment Farmers are currently experiencing. A sound strategy is key to adding value long term and it is important that shareholders understand the factors that influence this."
Brown urged farmers to take the time to ask questions of their board and management at the farmer meetings next week; about 40 farmer meetings are scheduled around the country.
With the low milk price, Brown urged farmers to be prudent in their financial planning and to ensure they place their businesses in the best possible shape for next season.
National Lamb Day, the annual celebration honouring New Zealand’s history of lamb production, could see a boost in 2025 as rural insurer FMG and Rabobank sign on as principal partners.
The East Coast Farming Expo is playing host to a quad of ‘female warriors’ (wahine toa) who will give an in-depth insight into the opportunities and successes the primary industries offer women.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is sharing simple food safety tips for Kiwis to follow over the summer.
Beef produced from cattle from New Zealand's dairy sector could provide reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 48, compared to the average for beef cattle, a new study by AgResearch has found.
The Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey found farmers' expectations for their own business operations had also improved, with the net reading on this measure lifting to +37% from +19% previously.
Confidence is flowing back into the farming sector on the back of higher dairy and meat prices, easing interest rates and a more farmer-friendly regulatory environment.
OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…
OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…