Fonterra opens organic milk supply to South Island dairy farmers
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Voting is now underway at Fonterra special meeting on TAF (trading among farmers).
The first two resolutions on approving TAF and necessary constitutional changes were put to vote after an hour-long debate.
While most farmers spoke in favour of TAF, South Canterbury farmer Leonie Guiney and former Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Lachlan McKenzie spoke against it.
Guiney says TAF puts the focus back on co-op shares. She says shares will rise and fall bringing greater volatility and increase redemption risk.
The first resolution on TAF requires a simple majority but constitutional changes require at least 75% support.
Fonterra director Jim van der Poel urged shareholders to support the constitutional changes although they oppose TAF.
He says the constitutional changes strengthen farmer ownership and control.
Results of the vote will be released this afternoon.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

OPINION: Meanwhile, red blooded Northland politician Matua Shane Jones has provided one of the most telling quotes of the year…
OPINION: This old mutt has been around for a few years now and it seems these ‘once in 100-year’ weather…