Editorial: Right call
OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.
Canterbury processor, Synlait Milk has increased its forecast of the market milk price for this season from $4.40/kgMS to a range of $4.50 - $4.70/kgMS.
"The market has recovered faster than expected, but recent volatility has shown us it still remains fragile," says Synlait Milk managing director John Penno.
Penno also acknowledged how financially difficult the current season is for suppliers and says this increased forecast market milk price range will be well received.
"Cash flows are incredibly important for our suppliers, particularly as they head into winter. We indicated in February that our next update would be in May, but given current market conditions, I'm pleased we can provide one now."
Penno adds that this update will enable Synlait suppliers to manage their finances with more certainty and a corresponding increase in advance rates will further support this.
"We believe the market will continue to recover in the medium term as consumption expands and production growth slows in response to lower pricing. However, we remain mindful of the additional milk growth likely to come from Europe as milk production quotas are removed on April 1.
"We will continue to keep an eye on the market and expect to update our forecast market milk price towards the end of May 2015".
OPINION: Trade Minister Todd McClay and the trade negotiator in government have presented Kiwis with an amazing gift for 2026 - a long awaited and critical free trade deal with India.
Former Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy says he's excited about his new role as NZ's Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.
A pillar of New Zealand's horticultural industry, Dr Stuart Davis, was farewelled at a well-attended funeral service in Tuakau, South Auckland, on December 18.
A stable but uncertain year lies ahead for New Zealand primary products, says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith.
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.

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