Fonterra’s exit from Australia ‘a major event’
Fonterra’s impending exit from the Australian dairy industry is a major event but the story doesn’t change too much for farmers.
Taupo-based dairy company Miraka has lifted its forecast milk price for the season to $9.17/kgMS.
Miraka chief executive Karl Gradon says he expects the company's milk suppliers will be pleased with the strong 2024-25 season price update.
"Our farmers have experienced a difficult and challenging period, with lower commodities over time and higher operating expenses and interest rates.
"We're supporting them with a strong 2024/25 season forecast milk price."
Miraka's milk price is 17c above Fonterra's mid-point for the season.
Miraka's 2023-24 final milk payout is $8/kgMS. Fonterra's final Farmgate Milk Price for the 2023/24 season finished at $7.8/kgMS. This, combined with the 55 cents per share dividend, provides a total cash payout to a fully shared-up farmer of $8.38/kgMS. The dividend includes a special 15c return to farmers.
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says the special dividend of 15 cents per share, on top of interim and final dividends totalling 40 cents per share, demonstrates the strength of Fonterra's balance sheet.
"In addition, the special dividend is a welcome acknowledgement of the tough times faced by shareholders in the relatively recent past when the returns from ownership were not adequate."
Fonterra’s impending exit from the Australian dairy industry is a major event but the story doesn’t change too much for farmers.
Expect greater collaboration between Massey University’s school of Agriculture and Environment and Ireland’s leading agriculture university, the University College of Dublin (UCD), in the future.
A partnership between Torere Macadamias Ltd and the Riddet Institute aims to unlock value from macadamia nuts while growing the next generation of Māori agribusiness researchers.
A new partnership between Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) and NZAgbiz aims to make evidence-based calf rearing practices accessible to all farm teams.
Despite some trying circumstances recently, the cherry season looks set to emerge on top of things.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.

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