Tuesday, 13 February 2024 07:55

Optimism in the air

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Federated Farmers dairy section chair Richard McIntyre. Federated Farmers dairy section chair Richard McIntyre.

There is a feeling of optimism in the dairy industry, says Federated Farmers dairy section chair Richard McIntyre.

Despite high interest rates and input costs, farmers feel things will get better, he says.

His comments came as global dairy prices recorded their fifth consecutive rise on Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction.

Since the start of summer, prices have risen by 12% cumulatively, with last week's GDT gains being their largest gain so far. Whole milk powder and butter prices have been the big movers, rising 13% and 32% over that period.

Overall prices continue to sit at their highest since June 2023 and have lifted by around 29% since last year's low in August 2023.

McIntyre acknowledges that dairy farmers have been struggling under the burden of high interest rates, high input costs and a below breakeven milk price.

However, there is a feeling of optimism that things will get better, he told Rural News.

"Last year's general election brought in a government that has promised to resolve many of the dairy industry's concerns, although now it is a matter of ensuring that these promises are put into action.

"Interest rates appear to have reached their peak and are putting considerable strain on farmers carrying high levels of debt."

He says the rise in GDT prices in recent months has provided relief and hope for dairy farmers.

"Fonterra's milk price has already risen 75 cents since the low in August and there is talk that another rise could be on the cards."

Fonterra's forecast milk price midpoint, on Thursday last week, was $7.50/kgMS.

Westpac has lifted its forecast milk price to $7.90/kgMS, just 10c short of the upper end of Fonterra's guidance range.

Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold noted that the uptrend in dairy prices is interesting now that it seems to be extending into 2024.

He says Chinese consumers still appear cautious which also makes them cautious about the strength of demand in the coming year.

"But forecasts of Chinese growth have stabilised in recent months as the authorities have increasingly provided support to the economy.

"Much of this support seems more focused on the industrial sector as opposed to consumers but it may be the case that some of this support might increasingly spill over into the soft commodities we export to China."

ASB now expects farmers to get around $8/kgMS for this season.

ASB economist Nat Keall says the resilience in prices has been such that their estimate for the season's farmgate milk price continues to be "mechanically pushed higher".

"As such, we now think farmers can expect a price at or around the $8/kgMS mark.

"Increasingly, the question is whether prices can build on their current levels over the next season in the face of another year of deceleration in the Chinese economy."

More like this

Contract milkers hit hard by drought crisis

Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.

Greenpeace a charity?

OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.

Rain misses Taranaki region

The 'atmospheric river' of rain that swept down the country last week almost completely avoided one of the worst drought-affected regions in the country – coastal Taranaki.

Featured

Fonterra names Templeman-Jones to Mainland Group board amid divestment

As part of preparing for a potential IPO in relation to the divestment process for its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka, Fonterra has named Anne Templeman-Jones as chair-elect of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Mainland Group board.

National

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter