Farmer health and safety app under development
Synlait founder and former Purata chief executive Juliet Maclean have teamed up with two former colleagues to create NZ's first technology-based health and safety system for farmers.
Canterbury's Synlait Farms has rebranded as Purata.
The former farming subsidiary of Synlait Ltd owns 13 dairy farms in Canterbury, putting it among the largest dairy farm operations in New Zealand with total land of 4820ha.
With Latin and Maori origins meaning ‘clear, bright - like a beautiful morning,” Purata’s name reflects the company’s new vision since the ownership change, says Purata chief executive Juliet Maclean.
She says changing the brand name, tagline and colour palate will help Purata reinforce its separate identity since leaving parent company Synlait Ltd.
“While we continue to have a strong customer-supplier relationship with Synlait Milk, we have operated as independent companies for some time so we’re excited to have a fresh look and name to reflect this evolution.”
The farming business was sold last year to a partnership of Chinese company Shanghai Penxing, with Maclean and Synlait chief John Penno keeping minority stakes.
The company says it intends to grow further by raising productivity, irrigation development and buying complementary dairy farms where management can improve performance.
Third-year student Cady Burns has won the Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science for 2024.
The Rural Change programme, providing free private mental health professional sessions to the rural industry, is set to continue its next chapter within Rural Support Trust from 1 July 2024.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.
A new report shows farm employers across the dairy, sheep and beef, and arable sectors have continued to invest strongly in one of their greatest assets – their staff.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.