Strong Asian sales drive A2 Milk to record performance, North Island farmers seek drought support as dry spell bites, and Freshpork NZ joins Meat the Need to boost food security.

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Strong Asian sales drive A2 Milk to record performance

A2 Milk has marked a significant milestone in its growth journey, announcing its first-ever dividend payment as half-year profits reached $91.7 million, up from $85.3 million the previous year. The company's performance triggered an 18 percent share price surge, boosting its market value beyond $5.6 billion.

The dairy company's success stems primarily from robust English label infant formula sales across Asian markets, which jumped 22.7 percent. Chief Executive David Bortolussi reports this growth reflects an ongoing shift in Chinese consumer preferences from local to English labels, despite temporary supply constraints in the China-specific product line.

Market conditions in China show promising signs, with newborn numbers increasing for the first time since 2016. A2 Milk anticipates this trend to continue through 2024, traditionally a favorable year for births in the Chinese calendar, though long-term projections still indicate a gradual decline in birth rates.

The company's subsidiary, Mataura Valley Milk, has benefited from strengthening global dairy prices and increased milk volumes. While the US market showed 13.2 percent revenue growth, the Australian and New Zealand markets experienced a slight decline due to reduced Daigou channel activity.

 

North Island farmers seek drought support as dry spell bites

North Island farmers are taking action to secure government support as severe drought conditions continue to impact agricultural operations across multiple regions. Industry groups in South Auckland, Waikato, and Taranaki are preparing applications to the Ministry of Primary Industries for an adverse weather event declaration.

Waikato farmers are already implementing significant operational changes to maintain production levels. Federated Farmers Waikato President Keith Holmes reports widespread supplementary feeding as pasture growth stalls, with many dairy farmers now recognizing they may have maintained milking for longer than advisable under the conditions.

The situation is particularly challenging in Taranaki, where rural communities are facing mounting pressure from the prolonged dry spell. Leedom Gibbs, who leads both Federated Farmers Taranaki and chairs the Taranaki Rural Coordination Group, is spearheading efforts to secure official recognition of the drought conditions to unlock additional support channels for affected farmers.

While MPI Chief Science Advisor Dr John Roche acknowledges most farmers are experienced in managing summer dry spells, regional teams are closely monitoring conditions on the ground. Any decisions about assistance will align with the Primary Sector Recovery Policy framework.

 

Safer Farms appoints new CEO to drive harm prevention strategy

Safer Farms has appointed Brett Barnham as its new chief executive, marking an expansion of the industry-led organisation's commitment to reducing farm accidents and improving rural wellbeing. The appointment coincides with a significant $11 million partnership with ACC to implement the Farm Without Harm strategy over the next five years.

Board Chair Lindy Nelson says Barnham's background combines hands-on farming experience with extensive leadership in high-risk sectors, including defence and adventure training. His appointment transitions the CEO role from part-time to full-time, building on the foundation established by outgoing chief executive Stephen Esposito.

Barnham, who previously served as ACC's site operations manager, brings first-hand understanding of New Zealand farming challenges. Having witnessed the impact of poor safety practices and the she'll be right attitude in rural communities, he aims to drive meaningful change in partnership with farmers and industry stakeholders.

The newly strengthened partnership between ACC and Safer Farms will support the implementation of the Farm Without Harm strategy, targeting four critical areas across the agricultural sector. These focus areas aim to address mental wellbeing concerns, reduce vehicle and machinery accidents, prevent livestock handling injuries, and mitigate risks from agricultural chemicals and airborne hazards.

 

MIA invests in next generation of industry leaders

New Zealand's farmer-led food charity Meat the Need has partnered with Freshpork New Zealand to expand protein options for families facing food insecurity. The collaboration enables pig farmers to directly contribute quality pork products to foodbanks nationwide through an established distribution network.

Freshpork NZ, which processes about one-third of New Zealand's domestic pork, brings significant experience in community support to the partnership. Julian Anderson from Freshpork NZ highlights their track record of providing more than 170,000 pork meals to foodbanks since 2020, with the new partnership set to expand this impact further.

Meat the Need General Manager Zellara Holden says the partnership creates a streamlined pathway for pig farmers to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The program builds on Freshpork's existing community support initiatives while opening new channels for farmers to donate directly to families in need.

The collaboration aims to increase both the volume and variety of protein options available through New Zealand foodbanks and community organizations. Farmers interested in participating can now access an efficient donation process through the established Meat the Need network.

 

Regulatory hurdle blocks access to methane reducer grown in Bluff.

The Meat Industry Association has selected five new scholars from across New Zealand for its 2025 scholarship program, strengthening the pipeline of talent for the red meat processing sector. The new recipients join ten returning scholars in a program designed to develop future industry leaders.

Georgia Te Raki from Dunedin and Zoe McElrea from Milton will study at the University of Otago, with Te Raki pursuing commerce and marketing while McElrea combines law with international trade politics. Riley King from Blenheim heads to Lincoln University for environmental science, joining Cambridge's Katie Hollands and Opotiki's Nicole Petersen, who will both study agribusiness and food marketing.

MIA Chief Executive Sirma Karapeeva emphasizes the program's role in supporting ambitious students focused on careers beyond the farm gate. The scholarships provide $5,000 annually for undergraduates and $10,000 for postgraduate studies, alongside industry mentoring and networking opportunities.

The expanded program now includes scholars studying diverse fields from mechanical engineering to foodborne pathogen research. Students also receive support in securing industry work experience during their studies.

The initiative reflects the meat processing sector's commitment to developing skilled professionals who can drive innovation and growth in this crucial part of New Zealand's economy.

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