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
Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the general manager of its Penske NZ operations, effective immediately In this role he will oversee all NZ branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, and rail, while continuing to be based at Penske’s Christchurch branch.
According to the latest Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report, released today, farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.
The Climate Change Commission has recommended maintaining the current New Zealand Emissions Trading System (NZ ETS) settings but warns of a potential unit shortfall as early as 2028.
The Conservative Party warns that the upcoming free trade agreement between New Zealand and India may prioritise increased labour mobility while offering limited reassurance for New Zealand workers.
Southland District Council says it is actively managing the impacts of the current fuel supply challenges to ensure essential services across the district continue to operate safely and reliably.
A large crowd turned out for the last of the field days of the three finalists in this years Ahuwhenua Trophy to determine the top Maori horticulture entity in Aotearoa New Zealand

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