Next generation of DNA testing
Herd improvement co-operative LIC is combining its DNA parentage testing and genomic evaluation services into one convenient service to help farmers identify their highest genetic merit animals.
LIC director Steve Poole will step down at the end of next month.
Poole has chosen not to seek re-election; the LIC board is made up of seven farmer-elected directors and three independent directors.
Poole joined the LIC board in 2010 and has served two terms as one of two farmer-elected directors for the central (North Island) region. Both central region LIC directors will complete their current term on May 31, with replacements to be determined by shareholder election. Voting packs were distributed to shareholders last week.
LIC board chair Murray King says Steve Poole brought grassroots empathy to the board.
“Steve has always focused on what is in the best interests of New Zealand dairy farmers.
“He showed real commitment to the share simplification process and was able to conduct complex discussions in a simple farmer-friendly manner with his fellow shareholders.”
Poole and his wife Maria are dairy farmers in Kapuni, Taranaki, milking 800 cows on 210ha. Prior to joining the LIC board in June 2010 he had a long association with LIC as a customer, shareholder, employee and shareholder representative. He was an AB technician for 20 years and a member of LIC’s shareholder council for two years (2008-2010).
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.