Since Fonterra’s inception something in the region of $50m has been invested in the 25-member council for what many consider a meagre return.
Change might be on the horizon. More than 1400 responses have been received by a steering group tasked with reviewing the council, which will deliver its findings in August.
While it might not be scrapped as some suggest, odds on it will be a leaner and meaner pooch and less of a tail-wagger.
Satisfaction with banks rises
For the first time in almost five years farmers have reported a lift in satisfaction with their banks. Since 2015, when an average of over 80% said they were happy with their banks, confidence has eroded to 69% today.
King Country clean-up
A King Country group has been given $844,000 by the Government to clean up a catchment area of 1500sq km, which includes the Awakino, Mokau and upper Mangaokewa catchments.
Winter grazing preparation the key
The Winter Grazing Action Group believes farmers are on the right track this season to avoid a repetition of last year’s practices that put farming in bad odour. The group says there need to be contingency plans in case of severe or prolonged wet weather.
Synthetic nitrogen use surges
Since 1990 farmers have applied seven times more synthetic nitrogen which has been partially held to blame for deteriorating waterways. About 80% of dairy farmers will not be affected but 2000, mostly in Canterbury and Southland, will have to change practices.
Uncertainty in red meat markets
Beef + Lamb has forecast a positive outlook for sheep and beef exports in its latest mid-season update but AgriHQ analysts caution the rosy outlook should be set against some harsh realities related to the impact of covid-19.
