Fonterra FY26 Results: $9.69 Milk Price, $3.4bn Profit
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
Fonterra has appointed a new director.
Simon Israel replaces appointed director Ralph Waters, who has retired. Israel, a Singaporean, has exceptional governance, consumer and wider Asian business experience.
He is based in Singapore and has worked in Asia for many years. He has significant business credentials in Asia and in consumer and investment businesses.
Israel will bring to the board invaluable knowledge and insights as Fonterra pursues its business strategy, particularly with its emphasis on emerging markets, says Fonterra chairman John Wilson.
Israel is currently chairman of Singapore Telecommunications and a director of Capitaland, one of Asia's largest real estate companies with core markets in Singapore and China. He was an executive director at Temasek Holdings for six years, and from 2010-2011 was executive director and president.
Wilson paid tribute to Waters.
"During his six and half years on the Fonterra board, Ralph made a very significant contribution to the cooperative.
"Ralph had agreed to remain on the Fonterra Board through the implementation of Trading Among Farmers to ensure stability, despite his other significant commitments, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for that.
"His vast experience as both a chief executive and director meant he brought valuable experience and knowledge to our board. "
Waters will be stepping down immediately. Israel will join the board from May 1.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.

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