Coutts appointed chair-elect of Mainland Group
Fonterra has named Elizabeth (Liz) Coutts the chair of Mainland Group, the proposed divestment entity of the co-operative’s consumer business.
Fonterra's milk collection last season was slightly down as North Island farmers faced a crippling drought.
However, the 2.1% dip in North Island milk was offset by the South Island where full season collection was up 2.1%.
The cooperative’s total milk production in 2019-20 reached 1,517 million kgMS, down 0.4% on the previous season.
Full season collection for the North Island was 874.6 million kgMS and for the South Island, 642.5 million kgMS.
In its May global dairy update, Fonterra says milk production improved across the North Island in the last month of the season.
Fonterra’s collection in May was 69.9 million kgMS, up 2.1% on the same month last season thanks to heavy rain in some drought-stricken areas.
“May brought rain across the country, with some of the heavier falls across northern areas where it was very dry,” it says.
“North Island milk collection partially recovered in May relative to past months as weather conditions became more favourable and drought conditions eased, ending at 30 million kgMS, down 3.5% on last May.
“Following months of drought and lower milk production, May production improved on the back of more favourable weather conditions.”
South Island milk collection in May was 39.9 million kgMS, up 6.9% on last May, with good conditions through much of the month.
Forecast is forecasting 2020-21 milk collection to be around 1,525 million kgMS.
Milk production is also improving in Australia, jumping 6.4% in April.
Better seasonal conditions and improved farmer confidence contributed to the continuing production recovery in the second part of the season, especially in Victoria and Tasmania, Fonterra says.
Production for the 12 months to April was down 2.3% on the previous 12 months. However, Dairy Australia has moderated its outlook for 2019–20 production upwards, to a drop of just 1.3%.
But Fonterra is still struggling with milk supply in Australia.
Fonterra’s Australia collection in May was 7.7 million kgMS, a 5.3% decrease on May last year.
For the month, farm milk collection was up on last year, while third-party milk was down.
Season-to-date collection reached 100.9 million kgMS, down 12.4% on the same period last season. Fonterra says its milk collections have been impacted by the highly competitive milk supply market which has seen losses, primarily to milk brokers.
Fonterra Australia has also made a conscious decision to purchase less third-party milk to focus on a value-add product mix, the co-op says.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…