Fonterra shareholders watch performance after sale
Fonterra shareholders say they will be keeping an eye on their co-operative's performance after the sale of its consumer businesses.
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."
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
Fonterra shareholders say they will be keeping an eye on their co-operative's performance after the sale of its consumer businesses.
T&G Global says its 2025 New Zealand apple season has delivered higher returns for growers, reflecting strong global consumer demand and pricing across its Envy and Jazz apple brands.
New Zealand's primary sector is set to reach a record $62 billion in food and fibre exports next year.
A new levying body, currently with the working title of NZWool, has been proposed to secure the future of New Zealand's strong wool sector.
The most talked about, economically transformational pieces of legislation in a generation have finally begun their journey into the statute books.

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