South Island election for B+L
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Western North Island farmer director Kirsten Bryant has been elected unopposed.
Holstein Friesian New Zealand has elected its first female president at the recent annual conference.
Te Awamutu breeder Wendy Harker takes the reins from outgoing president Doug Courtman after six years as a council member. The appointment is a first for the association in its 105-year history.
Alongside husband David, Harker milks their Westell herd under Mount Kakepuku, the 470-strong herd is 90% registered with Holstein Friesian New Zealand.
A keen breeder, Harker is eager to continue promoting the Holstein Friesian breed within the New Zealand dairy industry.
"The Holstein Friesian cow is the most versatile breed with the largest, best and most reliable genetic pool in the world," she says.
"You can breed a Holstein Friesian cow to suit all types of farming systems in New Zealand and we need the straight bred Holstein Friesian cow for profitable dairy farming in New Zealand."
As well as running the farm, Harker is an executive member of the Waikato A&P Show, senior Holstein Friesian and Milking Shorthorn Judge and Calf Club Judge.
She is also a certified Traits other than Production (TOP) inspector and Classifier for Holstein Friesian New Zealand,
Harker represents Holstein Friesian New Zealand at the New Zealand Dairy Breeds Federation.
She hopes to continue the example of great leadership that Doug Courtman and the previous presidents have set.
"The Board is a team effort and I see it as my job to make sure that we make the best use of those skills available," she says.
At the dairy industry level, Harker actively keeps pace with the animal evaluation system.
"It is important to ensure our TOP and Classification systems are functioning well and future research supports accurate reliable information about our breed."
Harker believes the strength of the dairy industry in the future is with young breeders and farmers coming through the ranks.
"I really enjoy seeing the passion and enthusiasm of the Young Breeders both in the show ring and starting their farming business, they are the future of our organisation."
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
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