New scholarship to grow female leaders in dairy
A new $50,000 scholarship fund designed to support and empower women in the New Zealand dairy industry through leadership development has been launched.
Taranaki farmer Trish Rankin is the new chair of Dairy Women’s Network.
Rankin, the 2019 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, says the elevation to the role of chair is “a privilege” she is looking forward to.
She replaces Karen Forlong, who will remain on the board in a new role as chair support.
Rankin is looking forward to working with Forlong over the coming months to learn more about the role.
“Governing an organisation that has a strong vision to enable transformation change in dairy businesses is so crucial in enabling the dairy industry to thrive,” she says.
Rankin says the DWN has played a big role in her life as a dairy farmer.
Over the years, Rankin has valued her membership with DWN in building her knowledge, skills and friendships. She recognises the wide reach of the organisation and the opportunities available for members and industry partners to come together to empower people in the dairying and agriculture sector.
Forlong says it has been a humbling privilege to be the chair for the last two and a half years.
She says her new role will allow her to pass her knowledge onto Rankin and still have a voice around the board table to support the DWN.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
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