Collection as usual after silo collapse

Fonterra Edendale Silo. Photo / Gregor Richardson

The majority of Fonterra's Edendale plant was back in operation and milk collections were back to normal, Fonterra chief operating officer global operations Robert Spurway said yesterday.

Fonterra had teams on site preparing to clear the damaged area and that work would continue over the next few weeks.

Investigations into the cause of the milk silo collapse on Friday were under way.

"Our Edendale D4 drier and milk protein concentrate plant may take some time to reinstate, but we have expert engineers working on a plan.''

Milk collections were now back to normal as Fonterra continued to balance milk across the South Island. Farmers would be contacted directly if there was any further impact to their collections, he said.

Fonterra had been in contact with farmers over the weekend to communicate any expected delays and let them know if they would need to dispose of milk.

Where disposal had been needed, Fonterra worked closely with farmers and councils to ensure it was managed appropriately, Mr Spurway said.

The Otago Daily Times earlier reported about 100 of the 1100 farms across Otago and Southland were unable to have their milk collected during the weekend.