Rewarding farmers who embrace sustainability
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
Primary Industry Minister Nathan Guy has paid a glowing tribute to outgoing DairyNZ chairman John Luxton.
Luxton is stepping down from the DairyNZ board after serving as chairman for eight years.
Addressing the industry-good organisation's annual meeting in Morrinsville today, Guy thanked Luxton for uniting the industry.
"It hasn't been an easy job at times; to make farmers realise they have to make changes to farming practices," he says.
He says under Luxton's leadership, DairyNZ has taken a lead role in improving the industry's environmental credentials.
Luxton also served as a National MP for 15 years, including nine years as a Cabinet Minister and a stint as Minister for Agriculture.
Guy says the relationship between DairyNZ and Government has been great under Luxton's leadership.
It is also important for DairyNZ to have good relationships with other primary sectors, he says.
Luxton is soon jetting off to see the Rugby World Cup in the UK.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.