Right time for Barron to pass on the baton

Barron, who represents South Waikato on the council, retires by rotation this year and isn't seeking re-election.

He will hand over to a new chairman, to be elected by the 25 councillors, at Fonterra's annual meeting in early November. A new councillor for South Waikato will also be elected at the annual meeting.

Barron told Dairy News that he was confident now was a good time to step down and hand over the reins to someone else.

"I'm confident now is a good time for succession to happen," he says.

"There has been a lot going on in the co-op over the last few years. Now we are in a period of relative stability and that allows me to step back and focus on other areas."

Barron says the council has been planning for chair succession for some time now.

He is impressed by the skill sets and knowledge of the remaining coucillors.

"I will be leaving the council in very capable hands."

Barron was first elected to the council six years ago and took over the chairmanship in 2019.

He believes he has made a positive contribution to the council in his three year term as chair.

"It's pretty simple really, the council is there to represent Fonterra farmers, but that used to mean different things to different people.

"The council now has three clear goals: firstly to understand co-op members' views and expectations and represent them to the board, secondly, to seek explanation, from the board, of Fonterra's strategy and performance and thirdly, to enable shareholder control of our co-operative.

"As a council we've worked really hard to implement the changes from the review of representation in 2020 and I think they are all resonating well with both farmers and the board."

Barron notes that just like their farming businesses, Fonterra has continued to evolve during his time on the council.

"There's always more work to be done but a culture of continuous improvement is beginning to emerge and we are starting to see the results of the new strategic choices flow through to results.

"It helps that Fonterra is now guided by a clear purpose - our co-operative, empowering people to create goodness for generations, you me us together, tatou tatou."

Barron says while this change will allow him more time on the farm and with his young family, he will remain a staunch supporter of the industry.

"The NZ dairy industry and our co-op have both a proud history and a bright future."

Barron is one of two councillors stepping down this year; the other is Coastal Taranaki representative Vaughn Brophy.