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 director Malcolm Bailey says there is a "clear 50/50 split" among shareholders on the issue of governance.
Bailey, who chairs the board's governance review committee, was speaking at the annual general meeting in Waitoa today.
His comments came as early results saw 54.4% support for a resolution to reduce the board to nine members- six elected and three appointed.
Shareholders at the meeting are yet to cast their votes so the final result is still a few hours away.
The motion, moved by former directors Greg Gent and Colin Armer, is unlikely to get 75% support needed to change the constitution.
Bailey says both Gent and Armer are well regarded in the co-op.
"It's no surprise that they have received strong support," he says.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson will be commenting on the voting result soon.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.