New Zealand imports of controversial feed supplement palm kernel expeller (PKE) fell by about one third last year, reflecting cost-cutting measures as farmers adjusted to sharply lower milk prices. Environmentalists are against the use of PKE - a by-product of the palm oil industry - because they say it promotes deforestation. A milk price of around $5.05/kg is regarded as the break-even point and the past two seasons have prompted many farmers to borrow heavily. "The milk price has picked up but it has not really picked up at the farm level yet," she said. "Every farmer has a different view on PKE," Kilsby said.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 03, 2017 05:48 UTC