Markets resilient, farmers hopeful
OPINION: The global dairy market continues to show resilience, and farmers remain cautiously optimistic as we move into the latter half of 2025.
Last night's Global Dairy Trade auction saw the average price index fall for the fourth consecutive time, dropping 3.5% to US$2,515.
New Zealand's key export product whole milk powder saw a decrease of 1.8% to US$2,386/tonne.
While the average price for skim milk powder, fell 7.5% to US$2,048.
However, butter milk powder and rennet casein had the greatest decreases; butter milk powder dropped 14% to US$1,748, rennet casein was down 11% to US$6,094.
Anhydrous milk fat and butter also fell with drops of 6.3% to US$3,505 and 0.8% to US$3,005 respectively.
Cheddar was the only product to see gains in the auction, with an average rise of 9.1% to US$3,012.
This will be bad news for dairy farmers still reeling after Fonterra lowered its farmgate milk price forecast last week from $4.70 kgMS from $4.50.
Key Prices
AMF index down 6.3%, average price US$3,505/MT
Butter index down 0.8%, average price US$3,005/MT
BMP index down 14.0%, average price US$1,748/MT
Ched index up 9.1%, average price US$3,012/MT
LAC index not available, average price not available
RenCas index down 11.0%, average price US$6,094/MT
SMP index down 7.5%, average price US$2,048/MT
SWP not offered
WMP index down 1.8%, average price US$2,386/MT
Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
We are not a bunch of sky cowboys. That was one of the key messages from the chairperson of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) Kent Weir, speaking at an education day at Feilding aerodrome for 25 policymakers and regulators from central and local government and other rural professionals.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.

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