Businesses chip in to help farmers
Banks and rural businesses are chipping in to help farmers in Southland and Otago.
Former Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman Duncan Coull has taken over as chairman of fertiliser co-op Balance.
The Otorohanga farmer replaced David Peacock who retired at last month’s annual general meeting after fifteen years as a director and seven as chair.
“David’s farmer focus, willingness to take risks, and commercial acumen will be missed,” says Coull. “Ballance has a strong legacy of good leadership throughout the organisation. As a board we are aware of our responsibility to ensure this continues.
“I’m very passionate about the role co-ops have and can play in securing the future success of the primary sector.”
He says the cooperative has a history of investing in innovation backed by science, which will help farmers and growers navigate the changes ahead and continue to thrive and succeed on a global stage.
“We are cautiously optimistic about the foreseeable future. While it’s important to reflect on the huge amount we have achieved over the previous year, it’s even more important that we look forward together and focus on the challenges and successes for FY21 and beyond,” says Coull.
Also at the AGM, Ballance shareholders voted to amend the cooperative’s constitution to allow all shareholders to be able to vote for any vacant ward position regardless of where their principal residence is.
This is in line with further provisions that have been previously modified to remove outdated references to legislation and bring the constitution in line with current market practice.
The constitutional change is effective immediately and will apply to the next board elections and AGM.
Meanwhile King Country sheep and beef farmer Dani Darke beat five other candidates for the North Ward seat on the board.
Beef+Lamb NZ chairman Andrew Morrison was also re-elected uncontested for the South Island Ward.
There are nine Ballance directors, three independently appointed and six elected from North and South Island wards.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
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