Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
West Coast dairy farmer Katie Milne has broken the glass ceiling to become the first woman president of Federated Farmers in its 72 year history.
She was elected to the role last week at the Federated Farmers annual meeting, fighting off a strong challenge from vice-president Anders Crofoot.
Former Feds dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard is the new vice-president.
Milne says she became involved in Federated Farmers out of “righteous anger” and frustration at seeing people who knew little about farming telling farmers what to do.
She rose through the ranks, initially serving as her region’s dairy section chair, and was then elected to the Feds national board.
She is also deputy chair of Westland Milk Products.
She and her partner Ian Whitmore farm 200 high BW Jersey cows on their 100ha (eff) property near Lake Brunner, Rotomanu, near Hokitika.
Milne has played a leading role in improving the water quality of the lake by helping initiate smart environmental practices.
She is also a member of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, is on the council of OSPRI, has a role in Worksafe as part of her Feds role and is involved in TB Free.
Milne’s rapid rise to the top is because of her open, friendly tell-it-like-it-is personal style. She is seen as a person who can connect well with Feds members and with the public.
Milne replaces William Rolleston, who stepped down after serving the mandatory three-year term.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
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.
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.