Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
More than 10,000 Northland students will enjoy a daily drink of milk from March 19 as Fonterra Milk for Schools rolls into town.
Registrations for the first round of the Fonterra Milk for Schools Northland pilot closed today. A total of 112 out of 133 schools signed up and ready for their first delivery of milk, says Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings.
“We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown by the Northland community and we can’t wait to start filling the school fridges.
“It’s great to know that we’ll be providing a dose of dairy nutrition to more than 10,000 Kiwi kids every school day,” says Spierings.
The New Zealand dietary guidelines recommend that school children consume at least two to three servings of milk every day.
“Dairy is fundamental for good nutrition, especially in growing bodies. We want to do what we can to ensure New Zealand children grow up drinking milk because it is good for them.
“After much planning and anticipation, we’re excited to see Fonterra Milk for Schools in action and we’re committed to continuing to work with the schools to shape a successful programme,” Spierings says.
Fonterra will be monitoring the pilot over the first three terms to establish how to best introduce Fonterra Milk for Schools nationwide and iron out practical details such as getting the milk to schools, keeping it cool and recycling the packaging.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
OPINION: In the past weeks, much has been said and written about one of New Zealand's greatest prime ministers, James Brendan Bolger, who died just a few months after his 90th birthday.

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…