Everyone a winner at John Luxton Memorial Match
Dairy farmers and sector leaders tested their mettle against MPs and parliamentary staff in a light-hearted yet highly competitive rugby and netball match last month.
The 40 events, taking place nationwide, are aimed at helping dairy farmers make an informed decision when it comes to voting in May on whether they support the continuation of a levy on milksolids.
The industry organisation also wants farmers to give feedback on what they see as future priorities and on DairyNZ's work in the regions, which includes helping farmers prepare for future regional policy changes.
DairyNZ chairman John Luxton will present at some of the levy forums, along with other DairyNZ board members, and he urges farmers in every region to have their say.
"It is vital that dairy farmers vote on the milksolids levy in May. The opportunity only comes once every six years and voting is easy – requiring a simple 'yes' or 'no'. The more dairy farmers who vote, and who vote yes, the stronger the industry voice for DairyNZ's work," says Luxton.
Luxton says farmers get a lot of value for their levy.
"The dairy industry is co-investing with the government and others in science and innovation to ensure a strong future. We need the levy to support and retain that co-investment. It's worth a lot to all of us as farmers," says Luxton.
"Now more than ever, with all the compliance and competitiveness challenges ahead, we need a strong dairy industry body that can work with others, including Federated Farmers and across all dairy companies and regions.
"DairyNZ is making a difference at a national and regional level across the country and voting 'yes' is a simple and effective way for farmers to show their support for its work."
The Local Levy Forums in April will allow farmers to direct questions to DairyNZ directors and senior management on the investment value of the levy now and in the future.
"Voting support won't take long, but together all the votes of farmers will have a lasting legacy impact on our industry and their own farming future. My message to dairy farmers is to make sure they have their say in May," says Luxton
For more information on the levy vote visit dairynz.co.nz/vote.
About the levy vote
What: in May 2014, dairy farmers will vote on whether or not they continue to pay a levy on milksolids, used to fund DairyNZ.
When: May 1-31
Why: the vote happens every six years and is required by government legislation, as the levy is collected under terms set out in the Commodity Levies Act 1990.
How: dairy farmers will be able to vote via the internet, post, fax and at selected events such as the DairyNZ Farmers' Forum on May 7-8.
Who votes: all dairy farmers, including sharemilkers and dairy farm leaseholders, who produce milk from cows and supplied a dairy processor in the 2013/14 season are eligible to vote.
