Fonterra launches farmer-led youth dairy programme in Waikato and Bay of Plenty
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
OPINION: Your old mate suggests with the way things are currently going and record milk prices, the shiny suits at Fonterra should be the last people in need of a government subsidy.
However, it appears the brains trust at Gumboot castle (Fonterra HQ) seem only too happy to take advantage of the current Government's folly and generosity with the taxpayers' chequebook.
This comes in the wake of news that the dairy co-op put its hand out for some of the $6.5 million in taxpayer funding for electric vehicles the Government is dishing out.
Apparently, Fonterra is using the 'subsidy' to trial a 46 tonne electric milk tanker at its Waitoa milk plant.
One would have thought that if an independent, future-thinking, industry-leading company like Fonterra thought that electric milk tankers were really the way of the future, they'd pay for it themselves.
But then again, who is going to turn down free money?
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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