Well-placed to weather conflicts
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
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.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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