Fonterra group director co-operative affairs Miles Hurrell said consumers were increasingly demanding dairy products sourced from pasture-based milk.
“More than ever consumers want to know what is in their food and where it comes from. Yesterday Fonterra advised suppliers about new guidelines on the use of PKE. Fonterra recommends a maximum of 3kg/per cow/per day.
“After pasture, PKE is one of the cheapest supplementary feed options for farmers, and our data shows that use of PKE is increasing. We recommend our farmers follow these guidelines in order to future-proof the co-operative’s position, while upholding our high standards of animal welfare.”
Hurrell said New Zealand producers were in a unique position to make the most of international trends towards pasture-based dairy products.
“This gives us a key competitive advantage globally. Our milk products have an excellent reputation and we want to maintain that, and stay ahead of increasing consumer expectations. Already on GDT [GlobalDairyTrade] a premium is often paid for products made from NZ milk compared to products made from milk sourced in other countries.
“Consumers love NZ dairy products and we want to increase that value by ensuring our NZmilk comes from predominantly grass-fed cows.”
As the wider commercial and regulatory environment continued to evolve Hurrell said,
“The recommended maximum of 3kg/per day/per cow is a voluntary guideline and we will be working with our farmers to help them maximise on-farm profitability while ensuring the health of their herd,” Hurrell said.
