Dairying mood is much more upbeat
Dairy farmers are feeling more confident after the third rise in a row for milk prices at the global dairy auction and widespread rain.
Dairynz’s regional manager James Muwunganirwa said the rain has been most welcome and would start pasture growth in regions that remained dry, such as the Horowhenua district.
Many farmers remained short of feed, and were feeding out supplementary feed, such as palm kernel or grass silage.
Muwunganirwa said pasture growth had increased, but farmers would have to continue feeding supplements until it reached full growth.
He said many farmers were catching up on years of deficits and would use part of this year’s payout to pay off debt.
Farmers pleased with the rain were also happy that the whole milk powder price had gone up.
‘‘The third straight increase in the GDT is certainly welcome news and it provides a greater security of a mid-$6 milk price,’’ said Federated Farmers share milker chairman, Richard Mcintyre
‘‘These results will help farmers to continue justifying feed purchases in order to keep their cows in milk.’’
Manawatu¯ dairy farmer Robert Ervine said his family wanted to build a bit of fat back into the system.
‘‘Building some reserves, for the lean times and catching up on some deferred maintenance.’’