![1080 scare 'last straw' for many](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=808)
1080 scare 'last straw' for many
Exporters paid a heavy price for the threat to contaminate infant formula with 1080.
Exporters paid a heavy price for the threat to contaminate infant formula with 1080.
Powerful victim impact statement read in court ahead of the sentencing of 1080 blackmailer Jeremy Kerr.
Theo Spierings said a "temporary imbalance" exists between Fonterra's strong results and farmers' tough times.
COMMENT: Criticism from farmers about the cost of supply rules ignores built-in protection, writes Peter Fraser.
Finally some good news for dairy farmers - Fonterra will be doubling its dividend payout after profits jumped 123 per cent.
COMMENT: Fonterra has made the right call by accelerating dividend payments instead of extending its dairy farmer shareholders loan package, writes Fran O'Sullivan.
COMMENT: The crisis in the dairy industry is of course a savage blow to many individual dairy farmers.
Fonterra may dust off last year's support package or boost the percentage of earnings paid as dividends to help farmers hit by the dairy downturn.
Fonterra will offer quicker payments to suppliers - if it gets a discount in return.
Fonterra has been copping heavy criticism over its strategy as the financial pressure facing farmer shareholders deepens.
However, even the Reserve Bank's best case scenario sees farm prices fall by 20pc, while the worst case scenario would see a fall in land prices of 40pc.
Fonterra has confirmed the closure of its cheese plant in Kaikoura next month.
World dairy prices went against market expectations and fell 2.9 per cent decline at the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction.
COMMENT: Next Wednesday will be another major milestone in the NZ dairy industry. Dairy giant Fonterra will unveil its latest results.
Futures market pricing suggests tomorrow morning's GlobalDairyTrade auction will be flat to slightly better.
Federated Farmers and Dairy NZ have been holding around the country aimed at helping farmers, particularly sharemilkers, through the downturn.
Fonterra has scored an own goal in extending payment terms for suppliers because some frustrated companies are secretly hiking their prices.
Bank analyst has confidence in the sector's ability to adapt but says that some of those ill-prepared for the downturn will go to the wall.
Fonterra said a member of its management team, Maury Leyland, has resigned for personal reasons, effective from March 31.
WATCH: On the latest extra episode of The Economy Hub, guest panelists Brian Gaynor and Fran O'Sullivan discuss Fonterra.
The long-term outlook for the dairy sector is strong, but the immediate future is highly concerning, says Mark Lister.
It is incomprehensible Fonterra's board could have persistently got it so wrong.
Sharemilkers and young people are leaving the industry as pay opportunities worsen.
Fonterra says it remains financially sound, despite high debt levels.
The kiwi dollar has dropped this morning after Fonterra cut its farmer payout for the second time this year.
Global diary giant Fonterra is moving into what could be the smartest new building in Auckland, but as farmers slash costs the move has been criticised as unjustifiable.
Embattled dairy farmers were offered a glimmer of hope when world prices firmed for the first time this year.