NZ Venison on menu for Korea?
Graham Brown, the executive chef for Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), is excited about Korea.
Deer Industry NZ says it has beefed-up its farmer services by appointing Phil McKenzie as its new manager of farm performance.
McKenzie is now managing the on-farm components of the DINZ’s Primary Growth Partnership programme, Passion2Profit (P2P), as well as the development of the industry’s farm-facing services. In these roles, he works closely with DINZ producer manager Tony Pearse and environmental stewardship manager Lindsay Fung.
The position – a newly created one – was established following the appointment in late 2019 of Innes Moffat – the former P2P manager – as chief executive.
Overall, DINZ says its staff numbers remain unchanged.
“We are increasingly focusing the on-farm side of the P2P programme on helping our farmers improve water quality and biodiversity, and to meet climate change obligations. Meeting market and social expectations for animal and environmental management will enhance the value of the industry,” Moffat says.
“Deer farmers have long been leaders in good environmental practice. The challenge is to fit that good practice into a framework that complies with district plans and new and proposed legislation.”
Over the past 12 months, McKenzie has already been working part-time for DINZ as the P2P environment project manager.
“I have been helping groups of farmers complete their Farm Environment Plans. This work will continue. Our formula of bringing together groups of deer farmers, where they can learn from each other, with the support of skilled consultants, is working well,” he says.
Originally from a farm in Southland, McKenzie has worked in many regions throughout New Zealand and overseas. He has deep farm systems knowledge and extensive agribusiness experience, including experience with Pamu, where in his most senior role he was a general manager with responsibility for environment.
“I’ve been impressed by the spirit of innovation among deer farmers, their ambition to excel and their willingness to collaborate. There is of course much still to be done, which is what excites me about this new role – working with others to design practical on-farm solutions that work.”
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.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…