The early spring rolls on especially in the north as evidenced by higher pasture D/M readings, increased milk flows and better BCS scores in animals.
Managers have responded with faster rotations, less supplement and nitrogen use, and even the odd paddock shut for silage as they strive to ensure pasture quality is maintained to maximize milk flows.
They are getting increasing frustrated by the performance of their processors however, as another food quality issue alert was made by Westland Milk Products that saw the Ministry of Primary Industries revoke export certificates for four consignments of lactoferrin exported to China.
The fallout continues in the Fonterra food scare with the resignation of executive Gary Romano and forced leave of two managers as the inquiry into the system failure moves into gear.
LAMB
Prospects continue to look good for the coming season and marketers report increased sales of product into the UK and Europe with the barbeque season reinvigorating demand.
Rising schedules show that processors are still chasing lambs for chilled orders but warn finishers to keep and eye out for permanent teeth emergence which will see animals change grade from lamb to hogget.
Across the Tasman, Meat and Lamb Australia also agree that falling world production, an easing currency and resurgent overseas demand, paint an optimistic future forlamb.
PGGWrightson announced a financial result that was back on market expectations with the drought affecting earnings and a big goodwill writedown associated with the merger back in 2005 affecting the result.
Source: Interest
