Eroding share of milk worries Fonterra shareholders
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
The 2011-12 year was one of strong performance for dairy farmer owned LIC.
LIC chairman, Murray King says the volatility of the dairy industry saw an increasing number of farmers invest in innovations that make it easier and more efficient to farm.
"LIC's Protrack farm automation range and GeneMark DNA parentage verification products, for example, enjoyed record sales," he says.
"Our web based software products, MINDA Milk, MINDA Weights and MINDA Land & Feed, also gained significant customer uptake reflecting the value that farmers place on dairy cow performance and being able to make better, more informed decisions on farm."
King says the price freeze which LIC applied to all products in the 2009-10 season, in recognition of the tough financial conditions being experienced on farm, remained in place for Premier Sires in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 with only a slight increase in the price of MINDA and herd testing.
"These increases were, however, offset by the launch of innovative free products like MINDA Milk, MINDA Weights and Land & Feed."
LIC revenue for 2011-12 was $177 million 7% ahead of the $166 million achieved during 2010-11.
All profit is returned to LIC's 10,500 New Zealand dairy farmer owners/shareholders in products, research and development or dividends.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
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As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
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