What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
OPINION: This old mutt suggests that Fonterra farmers may well have been a little too distracted by a high payout this year to see - or even notice- the exploding salary at the co-op.
According to excellent analysis recently done by BusinessDesk's Jenny Ruth, the number of Fonterra executives earning over $500k a year fell by 12 in the last year to 96.
However, this followed a 35.7% increase in the same salary bracket a year earlier.
Meanwhile, during the past year 1,052 more Fonterra employees are now 'earning' $100k or more a year - taking the total to 8,440 people.
Ruth is scathing about this jump in the salary bill saying: "The Fonterra gravy train keeps chugging along as its farmers, who are supposed to own the joint, appear oblivious to how much of the cream they produce is being hijacked by the executives". Ouch!
OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
A partnership between state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) and charity Meet the Need is putting more than quality New Zealand beef into food bank parcels this year.
The Opportunity Party has faced criticism during the election campaign that its policies are too urban-focused and offer little for rural communities.

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