NZX-listed New Zealand Farming Systems Uruguay (NZS) said it is heading for a loss of US$3 million to US$5 million in its financial year to June 30 if milk production does not pick up.
NZS, which was formed in 2006 for the purpose of applying New Zealand dairy farming technology to extensive land areas in Uruguay, said its farm development programme has continued to progress. Eight new dairy farms opened in May and more are expected to be opened over the next month, it said.
"Milk production continues to increase significantly year-on-year, although the very dry summer and autumn weather in Uruguay along with the later-than-expected completion of the new dairies, has resulted in milk production to date being below forecast,'' NZS said.
The company said it will not achieve a breakeven position at the earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) level - before any livestock "fair value" adjustment - for the year, as it had said in its half year report.
"On the assumption that current conditions do not change markedly prior to year end, NZS will finish the year with a loss of between US$3m and US$5m at the EBIT level before livestock fair value adjustment," it said. However, the company said it would be in a breakeven position if the fair value adjustment was included.
