MSA triumph
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first foray into fertiliser co-operative governance.
Three candidates are vying for a South Island seat on the board of fertiliser co-operative Ravensdown.
Simon Davies, Jane Montgomery and Aaron Stark filed their nominations last week. An election will be held under the first past the post electoral system, by postal and internet voting.
Voter packs will be posted out to South Island Area shareholders this Friday. Voting ends on September 22.
For the North Island seat, only one nomination was filed: sitting director Mike Davey will serve another term.
Meanwhile Ravensdown has appointed Tony Carter to its board. Ravensdown chair Bruce Wills says Carter is one of New Zealand's most experienced governors, known for his strategic leadership.
"With his extensive governance experience and commercial acumen across a broad range of sectors, Tony brings deep wisdom and foresight that will complement the existing collective skillset of the Ravensdown board.
"Importantly, he also has a real passion and understanding of co-operatives, having led Foodstuffs as chief executive and managing director for 10 years before embarking on his governance career."
Carter says it was the co-operative element that initially drew him to the role, but he's also looking forward to his first directorship in a primary sector organisation.
"Agriculture is such an integral part of New Zealand, from both an economic and cultural perspective.
"I'm excited to be joining the Ravensdown board and having an opportunity to contribute to positive outcomes for New Zealand farmers and growers."
Carter is currently chairman of New Zealand-owned technology business Datacom Group, My Food Bag, TR Group, The Interiors Group and the Skin Institute.
Canterbury farmer Michelle Pye has been elected to Fonterra’s board for a three-year term.
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has achieved a major sustainability milestone - reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching the target five years early.
Fonterra's 2025/26 financial year is off to a strong start, with a first quarter group profit after tax of $278 million- up $15m on the previous year.
Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of local government - poor governance.
OPINION: The rural sector is set to receive some good news from the Government this week.
OPINION: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been on a charm offensive with farmers.