May 2008

Fonterra payout boost good news for dairy farmers
Fonterra today announced a 60 cent increase in the Co-operative's 2007/08 forecast payout to $7.90 per kg of milksolids (kgMS), and a record opening forecast of $7.00 for next season.

Greater supermarket responsibility
to dairy farmers applauded in UK

The NFU has welcomed Morrison's announcement that it is to extend its support for British agriculture in a move towards taking greater responsibility for its dairy farmer suppliers.

Climate change effects not
all bad for farming
A new report released by MAF shows that not all of the effects of climate change are bad for the agricultural sectors. In some areas, production will potentially increase.

Argentine Gov't cans talks with farmers
Farming crisis continues in Argentina - hits Day No. 76 as the governemnt cancels a meeting between itself and main farming lobby groups.

FF relieved on power decision
The government has announced plans to extend the obligation on lines companies to supply electricity to 'uneconomic' areas beyond 2013.

More rural vets needed urgently
A new report has reinforced the urgent need to find ways to reverse declining numbers of veterinarians in rural New Zealand, said Graeme Peters, chief executive of Agcarm.

Powered lawnmowers can be lethal
People fall victim to the revolving blades of powered lawn mowers each year, according Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension.