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.
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says that rising costs have had a real impact on farmers’ bottom lines.
Fonterra farmers have a message for their co-operative - they need to see consistently strong performance in both payout and returns from share ownership.
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says that rising costs have had a real impact on farmers' bottom lines.
"We can see that with the latest DairyNZ breakeven milk price being above $8/kgMS," Stevenson told Rural News.
"Many farmers have reported to us that they have felt significant financial pressure over the last 24 months. Fonterra needs to execute on their revised strategy to ensure that our returns are well above our costs.
"Council will be keeping a keen eye on how Fonterra delivers on its six strategic devices."
Last week, Fonterra released a revised strategy, promising to deepen its focus on its high-performing Ingredients and Foodservice businesses to grow value for farmer shareholders and unit holders.
Revised targets are increasing average return on capital to 10-12%, up from 9-10%, a new dividend policy of 60-80% of earnings, up from 40-60%, while remaining committed to maintaining the maximum sustainable Farmgate Milk Price.
Chairman Peter McBride says the revised strategy creates a pathway to greater value creation, allowing the co-op to announce enhanced financial targets and policy settings.
"The co-op exists to provide stability and manage risk on farmers' behalf, while maximising the returns to farmers from their milk and the capital they have invested in Fonterra.
"Through implementation of our strategy, we can grow returns to our owners while continuing to invest in the co-op, maintaining the financial discipline and strong balance sheet we've worked hard to build over recent years."
Stevenson says early feedback from farmers indicates that they view the new targets positively.
He notes that delivery of these targets will see strong returns to Fonterra farmers alongside significant investment into growing the co-operative.
"Council views performance as the key to delivery of this strategy, and we will be monitoring and reporting on our view of how Fonterra execute against these targets."
Stevenson says a competitive milk price is critical for Fonterra to deliver on strategy, as there is strong competition for milk from all processors.
"A strong sustainable milk price is the most important number to our farmers, but business performance is very important as well.
"It is pleasing to see a focus in the strategy on Fonterra delivering the strongest farmer offering, including a stronger payout and improving farm cash flow."
Fonterra is also going ahead with plans to divest its consumer businesses in New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka.
The co-op says the process is ongoing and progressing well.
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.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.

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