Displaying items by tag: SUSAN KILSBY

ANZ agricultural economist Susan Kilsby is describing the 2024-25 dairy season as ‘a cracker’.

Growing global demand for dairy products and a flat milk supply could be setting the stage for a near-record farm gate milk price this season.

Strong demand for milkfats - anhydrous milkfat (AMF) and butter - is helping boost the farmgate milk price, according to ANZ agriculture economist Susan Kilsby.

Dairy farmers struggling to breakeven can expect better prospects next season.

An improvement in global markets and a weak New Zealand dollar are behind the ANZ Bank's optimistic prediction of a $7.70/kgMS farmgate milk price for this season.

When dairy prices are down, it's normally linked to oversupply of products but global milk supply isn't the problem this time.

Some farmers are taking on additional work off farm to keep up with rising interest costs, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.

Smaller harvests and slightly stronger prices, but overall returns are well down for many growers.

Analysts remain divided on the forecast farmgate milk price for the new season, starting in less than two months.

Rising costs such as fertiliser, fuel and labour and an overall tightening of profitability is forcing dairy farmers to take a ‘more considered approach’ to their businesses.