Fonterra shaves 50c off forecast milk price
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
Fonterra has appointed Miles Hurrell as its new group director cooperative affairs.
Hurrell joined the dairy industry in 2000, after spending the early years of his career working for a major international shipping line. By 2008, he had become Fonterra sales director – Europe, responsible for leading the sale of dairy ingredients within the region.
He then led the global sourcing division in North America, establishing business partnerships with a number of key suppliers, before becoming the general manager, global sourcing in 2009. He became general manager, Middle East, Africa and CIS in 2010.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says Hurrell has the necessary commercial and relationship skills to build and maintain strong relations with farmers, and support Fonterra's milk growth.
"Our New Zealand milk supply is a number one priority for Fonterra. Ensuring its sustainable growth and market share are key for our V3 business strategy, and a positive commercial approach is required in this role.
"The breadth of Miles' business knowledge and experience means he is very well placed to deal with these challenges."
Other key areas of focus for the group director cooperative affairs role include managing relationships with key stakeholders such as central, local and regional governments; and driving the global sustainability strategy.
Hurrell will take up his new position on September 1. He replaces Todd Muller, who resigned to stand in the general elections on a National Party ticket.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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