Fonterra launches dairy youth programme with Growing Future Farmers
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
Fonterra will offload its Farm Source livestock business to family-owned business Carrfields Livestock on March 1.
Richard Allen, Farm Source stores director, says the decision to sell was made in the context of a larger review underway within the co-op.
“In the context of the review of the co-op’s assets and investments, we have made the decision to sell the livestock division to Carrfields Livestock. This will better serve the livestock team and the farms they service.
“While Farm Source’s livestock division has contributed positive returns since inception, we believe the investment required to maintain and grow this division can be more effectively targeted towards improving core areas of the Farm Source business,” says Allen.
Farm Source, and previously as RD1, has had a livestock division since 2005. Today, it has about 25 agents supporting farmers across the country. In 2017, Farm Source Livestock facilitated the purchase of almost 200,000 animals.
Craig Carr, Carrfields Group managing director, says this acquisition is both exciting and a strategic opportunity for Carrfields Livestock to fill gaps in their current national network.
“This acquisition will take the Carrfields Livestock team to over 150 livestock agents spread right across the country. This strategic partnership will offer Farm Source clients and Fonterra farmer owners access to a nationwide agent and sale yard network provided by a New Zealand family-owned business,” says Carr.
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.