Fonterra milk harvest has a positive start

Milk tankers are being kept busy with a positive start to the season.

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited has revised its 2018/19 forecast Farmgate Milk Price from $6.75 per kgMS to a range of $6.25-$6.50 per kgMS.

It has also increased its forecast New Zealand milk collection volumes by 1.3 per cent to 1550 million kgMS.

Fonterra Chief Executive Miles Hurrell says the change in the forecast Farmgate Milk Price was due to a stronger global milk supply relative to demand at this time.

"I know how hard it is for farmers when the forecast Farmgate Milk Price drops, but it's important they have the most up to date picture so they can make the best decisions for their farming businesses.

"We are still seeing strong production coming from Europe, US and Argentina. While the hot weather in Europe has slowed down the region's production growth, it is still tracking ahead of last year. US milk production is up slightly and Argentina's is up 6.8 per cent.

"Here in New Zealand, the season has got off to a positive start, mainly thanks to good weather and early calving in the South Island. As a result, we have increased our forecast milk collections for the year to 1550 million kgMS — up from 1525 million kgMS.

Mr Hurrell says that global demand is not matching current increases in supply.

"At recent Global Dairy Trade events, prices for all products that make up the milk price have fallen. Demand for WMP, in particular, continues to grow in China, and it remains strong across South East Asia, but it simply isn't matching current levels of supply."

On the new move to provide a range for the forecast Farmgate Milk Price, Mr Hurrell says it was the Co-op's intention to provide the best possible signals.

"We operate in a hugely volatile global market place, so it is very difficult to pinpoint an exact forecast Farmgate Milk Price this early in the season. For example, weather conditions can change suddenly and this can have a significant impact on the global milk supply.

"As a result, we have chosen to give a range of $6.25-$6.50 per kgMS and be clear that the Advance Rate is based on $6.25 per kgMS and the final price could be outside this range as we are still early in the season and up against considerable volatility. We therefore recommend farmers budget with ongoing caution."

The timing of last week's update is driven by available market information and is not a DIRA requirement. Fonterra is required to give a forecast for DIRA purposes by 15 December 2018.