Fonterra Co-operative has reduced its forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2014/15 season to $4.40 per kgMS.
Chairman John Wilson said the revised forecast reflected the reality that global commodity prices had not increased as expected.
“World markets are over-supplied with dairy commodities after farmers globally increased production in response to the very good prices paid 12-18 months ago. This supply imbalance has heightened due to continuing good growing conditions in most dairy producing regions.
Along with its previously announced forecast dividend range of 20-30 cents per share, the change amounts to a forecast Cash Payout of $4.60 – $4.70 that would be paid to a fully shared-up farmer.
Wilson went on to say that it is “tough season and we will continue to keep our farmers informed as the season draws to a close given the current volatility”.
The forecast Farmgate Milk Price change for the current season will mean a further revision to the Advance Rate Schedule of monthly payments to farmers.
2015/16 season opening forecast Farmgate Milk Price
The Co-operative also announced an opening forecast Farmgate Milk Price of $5.25 per kgMS for the 2015/16 season. This does not include the forecast earnings for the 2015/16 financial year.
Mr Wilson said the forecast Farmgate Milk Price was based on Fonterra’s best view of long-term global dairy supply and demand.
“We can expect prices to recover going forward, and to see a rebalancing of supply and demand over the season. However it is more difficult this early in the season to determine exactly when this recovery will lead to a sustained price improvement,” said Mr Wilson.
Chief Executive Theo Spierings said the long-term fundamentals of global dairy demand are strong.
“Our forecast for the new season takes into account a range of factors including global milk production forecasts, the economic outlook of major dairy importers, current inventory levels and geopolitical events,” said Mr Spierings.
“Given the season we are coming out of, we are absolutely focused on improving farmer returns and driving the Co-operative’s performance,” said Mr Spierings.
