Westpac NZ launches community banking van in Northland
A new Westpac NZ community banking van begins making visits around Northland this week.
Commenting on last night Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction results, Gordon says there was a mild 0.4% fall in dairy prices.
“The product mix was effectively a mirror image of the previous auction, with a 2.6% rise in whole milk powder prices but declines for most other products.
“We’re expecting a modest fall in dairy prices over the rest of this year, as global milk production bounces back from last year’s depressed levels. Global demand continues to grow at a subdued pace, and stockpiles of milk powder remain substantial, especially in Europe.
“Russia recently extended its ban on food imports from the EU until the end of 2018, though it has yet to make a decision on the ban from other Western markets, which currently runs to the end of this year.”
Key Results AMF index down 3.5%, average price US$6,596/MT Butter index down 0.1%, average price US$5,775/MT BMP index up 10.8%, average price US$2,264/MT Ched index down 3.2%, average price US$4,051/MT LAC index down 3.3%, average price US$839/MT RenCas index down 2.7%, average price US$6,133/MT SMP index down 4.5%, average price US$2,090/MT WMP index up 2.6%, average price US$3,111/MTTickets are now available for the 2026 Arable Awards, set to be held in Christchurch on 20th August.
Environment Southland is calling on residents to be vigilant and check their properties after a new Old Man's Beard site was discovered near Dipton.
Amelia Marsden has secured the 2026 Nelson Young Grower title for the second year running, earning another opportunity to represent the region at the national Young Grower of the Year competition later this year.
Federated Farmers is urging the Government to put a halt to Waikato Regional Council's controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1), warning the regulations will impose significant costs, complexity and duplication on thousands of farmers while major national reforms remain unresolved.
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.

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