Fonterra Whareroa sets cheese record, wins top award
Fonterra Whareroa wrapped up a successful season with a record-breaking cheese production volume and several gongs at the co-op's annual Best Site Cup awards.
Fonterra says it will bring a revised governance structure for vote before shareholders by the end of this year.
The co-op has failed to get the 75% support needed to reduce its board size, from 13 to 11.
The board's proposal received 63.7% support from shareholders who voted; 58.6% of total shareholders took part in the vote.
Chairman John Wilson says personally he is delighted that nearly two-thirds of farmer shareholders supported the proposal.
He says there is a strong desire for change and he is confident the co-op will land on a model that is right for its shareholders.
"There is a strong desire for change among our farmer shareholder base," he says.
"Farmers want a system that will bring knowledgeable people to our board.
"We must change the current system; we proposed some significant changes and not everyone supported them."
Wilson says the main feedback from farmers was that under the proposed system they were not able to choose between all the candidates.
Wilson says the board will go back to the drawing board and bring a revised plan before shareholders by the end of this year.
"We cannot stand still."
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.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.