Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
At last, some positive news from Fonterra.
The co-op today confirmed that it has achieved record sales and revenues from its two August GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) auctions.
Fonterra achieved its highest-ever monthly revenue through GDT in August, selling 109,664 metric tonnes, worth $685 million.
Chief executive, Theo Spierings,says the past two GDT events show continued confidence in its products and strong demand from many of the key markets.
"Our August GDT sales volume was up 27% on the same time last year, and revenue more than doubled, up 107%."
The co-op is facing a government inquiry over its handling of the recent botulism scare involving whey protein concentrate (WPC80). It is also facing trade bans in several key markets around the world, including China.
Commenting on Fonterra's current forecast for a 15% decline in its product volumes on GDT over the next 12 months, Spierings says that this reflects Fonterra's strategy of moving from being commodities-driven to a more value-added, higher-margin products business.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
The head of Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment, Professor Paul Kenyon, says the outlook for the primary sector is positive with record numbers of students enrolling for Massey's range of undergraduate courses in the primary sector.

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