Two LIC directors not seeking re-election
Two long-standing LIC farmer-elected directors are stepping down later this year.
Industry good body DairyNZ says it has the expertise lined-up and waiting for the development and management of a new Dairy Industry Good Animal Database, should Livestock Improvement (LIC) shareholders approve the transfer of the Core Database this month.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says the organisation is stepping up for this new stewardship role but is awaiting the result of the LIC vote. Voting is underway with a result to be announced at the LIC annual general meeting on November 14.
The transfer of the Core Database to DairyNZ from LIC is part of an agreement between the two organisations but requires the approval of 75% of voting shareholders.
"This is about realising our vision for a national database covering calving, mating and production data, that we can extend and add to with industry good information. New database fields will be defined and added as new animal traits of relevance for genetic evaluation emerge. It's an exciting project and farmers should see it as a huge industry opportunity," says Mackle.
"Our industry is dynamic and we need a national database that is dynamic too – evolving and developing all the time, in response to dairy farmers' needs. That's the industry's vision and that's what we are committed to delivering."
LIC chief executive Mark Dewdney says he has confidence in DairyNZ's capacity to manage the transfer and develop the new Dairy Industry Good Animal Database.
"We wouldn't be putting this recommendation forward if we didn't believe it was good for shareholders. LIC is a partner and supporter in this proposed transfer and we are an integral part of DairyNZ's steering and stakeholders groups and its planning on how to take this forward," says Dewdney.
DairyNZ's strategic investment leader for productivity, Bruce Thorrold, says DairyNZ has already developed relationships with database development experts, who will work on the transfer process if LIC shareholders vote their approval.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…
OPINION: Synlait's financial woes won’t be going away anytime soon.