Breakthrough in Facial Eczema research offers hope for New Zealand farmers
A breakthrough in the understanding of Facial Eczema (FE) in livestock could bring New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s impact.
Farmer co-op LIC will pay $18 million in dividends to shareholders after a strong full-year result.
The 12.75c/share dividend represents a gross dividend yield of 22.7% based on the current share price of 78 cents. Last year, the co-operative paid a dividend of 11c.
The breeding and automation company recorded a net profit of $17.5m, down 21% over last year’s $22.2m net profit, mainly due to a $7.2m decrease in the bull team valuation. However, total revenue was up 3% to $254m and underlying earnings up 16% to $22.7m.
LIC chairman Murray King says the strong result was in line with market guidance and achieved despite the impacts of drought and Covid-19.
“The strong result enables LIC to deliver a significant dividend to shareholders at a time when every dollar counts on-farm,” says King.
LIC reported that despite a challenging season, farmers continue to move up the value chain, investing in the latest genomics and other genetics products, driving revenue up.
“The increasing uptake of these products demonstrates the value on-farm of LIC’s ongoing investment to enhance our core genetics business through world-leading genomics to drive genetic gain in dairy herds and high-valued premium genetics products like A2 and sexed semen,” says King.
Through collaborative efforts with exhibitors, visitors, and industry partners, Fieldays says it is reaffirming its commitment to environmental responsibility with new initiatives for 2025.
Fonterra has announced a record forecast opening organic milk price of $12.30/kgMS for the new season.
Farmer-owned co-operative Ballance Agri-Nutrients is ceasing phosphate manufacturing at its Mount Maunganui site.
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
Taranaki veterinarian Dr Rob Mills is the new president of New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).
Input costs can make or break a season for farmers and electricity is one of the largest expenses.