Fonterra unveils divestment plan
Fonterra is exploring full or partial divestment options for its global Consumer business, as well as its integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.
Politicians and agribusiness leaders are taking to social media to pay tribute to outgoing Fonterra chairman John Wilson.
Wilson stepped down as Fonterra this morning in a shock move; he has been replaced by John Monaghan.
A Fonterra statement says Wilson had recently undergone “significant surgery” and will require on-going treatment.
Tributes flowed for Wilson on twitter. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor wished Wilson a speedy recovery.
“Thanks for all the hard work on behalf of farmers,” O’Connor tweeted.
National agriculture spokesman and former Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy said he enjoyed working with Wilson both locally and on trade missions overseas.
“He’s been a strong advocate for NZ dairy farmers and the co-op. The loan facility saved many farmers when global milk prices crashed. John has achieved a lot in Fonterra and here’s to a speedy recovery,” Guy tweeted.
Former National MP and chief executive of NZ Food and Grocery Council Katherine Rich tweeted that it was sad to see Wilson stepping down.
“John is a patriot and a great New Zealander. He has dedicated his working life to the success of our dairy industry and thus the New Zealand economy.”
Not all tweets were kind to Wilson, however.
Rachel Stewart, a columnist and farmer tweeted “Yes, Shane Jones speaking the truth can be bad for your health”.
Stewart was referring to comments made by NZ First Minister Shane Jones at the National Fieldays on June 13.
Jones, the Regional Development Minister, called for Wilson to follow chief executive Theo Spierings out the door.
Jones said he told the company it should stop being political and instead focus on its business.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.