Fonterra on track for record season

Tuesday 17th May 2011

The best autumn weather conditions in recent years has put Fonterra on track to report record milk production in the 2010/11 season.

Fonterra general manager milk supply Steve Murphy today said that with two weeks of the season still to go, production was more than 4% ahead of the same time a year ago, when much of the country was experiencing dry or drought conditions.

Last season, Fonterra collected 1286 million kg of milksolids.

"Exceptionally favourable pasture growth conditions since January mean our farmer shareholders have enjoyed strong production around the country, particularly north of Taupo," Murphy said.

That was a turnaround from earlier in the season when many farmers struggled with a cold and wet spring followed by an early December drought, which depressed production levels dramatically.

Recent excellent pasture growth meant herds were in good condition, which boded well for calving and the start of the new season.

The additional milk would be welcomed in the market where supply remained tight, Murphy said.

While prices for globally traded dairy products were off their highs of early March, they were still at historically high levels.

NZPA

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