Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
Speaking at the co-op's annual meeting in Palmerston North this morning, Fonterra chairman John Wilson said the co-op is always striving to improve total payout to farmers.
"Our payout strategy will never change," he says.
Wilson acknowledged that on-farm cash flow is tight given the sharp drop in payout compared to last year.
Fonterra is forecasting $5.30/kgMS this season. Last season farmers received $8.50/kgMS - comprising a milk price of $8.40 and 10/share dividend.
Wilson says tight cash flow will force farmers to reduce feed and supplements in summer; more cows are also expected to be culled.
This will impact milk production for this season and next season. Fonterra's milk supply this season is up 3% compared to last season.
