Synlait managing director Dr John Penno said the company had not seen a drop in milk production, which remained at budgeted levels.
“This is consistent with what we’ve seen in the past with dry weather, which Canterbury farmers are used to. We have reviewed the factors at play and do not expect it to have much of an impact on our milk supply.
“However, we are monitoring the situation closely as weather conditions may change this position at any stage.”
Penno said a benefit of the mid-Canterbury region Synlait operated in was that nearly all Synlait suppliers were irrigated with reliable water sources. Those who weren’t were largely in high rainfall areas.
“We’ve been in touch with a large number of our farmers. It’s tough for them at the moment, but most of them are upbeat and share our view that the weather we’re experiencing is not unusual and they are expecting low levels, if any, of lost production at this stage.”
“Overall, the majority of our suppliers have access to reliable irrigation water and with longer sunshine hours this can actually mean good pasture production on farm. On the other hand, if irrigation water becomes unusually restricted, farmers will be weighing up what measures they can put in place in the context of the season’s low forecast milk price.”
Synlait recently announced Autumn Premium payments to encourage suppliers to produce more milk late in the season.
Synlait’s board would review its milk price at their next meeting in late January and an announcement would be made following that.
Penno said Synlait shareholders would likely want to understand how both weather conditions and any milk price update impacted the business, therefore a statement would be released to the NZX following that meeting.
