fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 10:55

Challenges ahead for co-op farmers

Written by  Staff Reporters
Incoming Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson (left), with predecessor James Barron. Incoming Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson (left), with predecessor James Barron.

New Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says there are plenty of challenges ahead for Fonterra farmers.

The Wairarapa farmer, who took over the chairmanship at the co-op's annual general meeting last week, says he's looking forward to the challenge.

"There are plenty of challenges ahead: our co-op is in a strong position and it's important our farmers have a voice," he told Dairy News.

"I'm excited with this opportunity to represent farmers."

Stevenson replaces James Barron who retired after three years in the role.

He was first elected to the council in 2017 from the Wairarapa ward. A fifth generation dairy farmer, he has been milking cows on the family farm for 12 years.

Stevenson owns two farms: a 1,000-cow farm in Carterton and a 500-cow farm in Masterton.

He is currently chair of the council's accountability committee. He was part of the DIRA working group in 2018-9 and currently serves as a council's representative on the board's co-operative relations committee.

More like this

Fonterra vote

OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

Popular Reads

Featured

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and  friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.

Meet the Need: Helping Kiwis put food on the table

Meet the Need, a farmer-led charity, says food insecurity in New Zealand is dire, with one in four children now living in a household experiencing food insecurity, according to Ministry of Health data.

National

Machinery & Products