2024/25 Dairy Statistics: NZ dairy farmers boost production with fewer cows
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.
Colin Glass announced in May that he will not seek re-election when he retires by rotation from the DairyNZ board later this year.
DairyNZ is encouraging future-focused and passionate dairy farmers to consider joining its boards.
Nominations for two farmer-elected DairyNZ Board of Director positions and one Directors’ Remuneration Committee member position are open.
DairyNZ acting chief executive Peter Scott says farmer-elected directors play a crucial role on the DairyNZ board.
He says this includes providing perspectives and insights which shape board discussions and set the direction of DairyNZ and dairy farming in New Zealand.
“We are looking for forward-thinking dairy leaders to be a part of the sector and its leadership through the DairyNZ board,” says Scott. “They will bring unique sector and governance experience, strategic thinking and fresh ideas.”
Scott says farmers continue to face numerous challenges, “and both DairyNZ and the board are dedicated to engaging with farmers and delivering support through research, advocacy and on-farm tools”.
“DairyNZ’s board and staff are passionate and focused on progressing a positive future for dairy farmers, and we want people who share that passion and enthusiasm to apply.”
Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of farm systems, research, policy, and advocacy. Good networks, strong business and finance skills, along with governance experience, are preferred.
DairyNZ’s board comprises five farmer-elected directors and three board-appointed directors.
Two farmer director positions are open for nominations, with Colin Glass and Jim van der Poel both stepping down by rotation.
In May, Glass, who is also chief executive of Dairy Holdings Ltd., confirmed he would not stand for re-election.
Nominations are also being taken this year for one farmer to join the DairyNZ Directors’ Remuneration Committee. Candidates must be nominated by two DairyNZ levy payers.
Candidate nominations for all three positions must be received by the Returning Officer by midday on Friday 25 August 2023.
If an election is confirmed, farmer voting will take place during September and October, with the successful candidates announced at DairyNZ’s annual general meeting on October 11 in Te Awamutu.
Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of local government - poor governance.
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.
For over 20 years, Whakatane farmer Gerard Van Beek has been attending Fonterra annual general meetings with the same message - it's time to include lactose in the co-op's farmgate milk price model.
Retiring Fonterra director Andy Macfarlane believes the co-operative has made good progress over the past decade but adds that there's still a way to go.
Visiting US climate change expert Dr Will Happer says the idea of reducing cow numbers to greatly reduce methane emissions is crazy.
Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping "The Twelve Days of Christmas" for "The Twelve Pests of Christmas" in an effort to highlight the most troublesome farm pests.
OPINION: Dipping global dairy prices have already resulted in Irish farmers facing a price cut from processors.
OPINION: Are the heydays of soaring global demand for butter over?