Two new awards open to help young farmers progress to farm ownership
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Matt Shirtcliffe, creative director Shirtcliffe & Co (right) and Michelle Thompson, chief executive RHANZ, with the mini tankers at the Fonterra Farm Source Store in Cambridge.
The sale of milk tanker miniatures by Fonterra Farm Source stores is generating cash to help support rural mental health projects run by Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHANZ).
From September 1 each mini Fonterra tanker sold has yielded $10 for RHANZ community projects.
RHANZ chief executive Michelle Thompson says improving mental health in rural communities is a priority for its 38 RHANZ member groups.
"There is increasing concern about the pressure building on farming families and the health providers who look after them. So when Fonterra Farm Source said they would give us $10 from each mini tanker sale, we were delighted.
"The partnership was announced yesterday at the Fonterra Farm Source Cambridge store and particularly we thank Shelley Cresswell, category marketing manager Farm Source and Matt Shirtcliffe, from Shirtcliffe and Co, for making this partnership a reality."
The Mini Fonterra Tankers – available through Farm Source stores and online are limited edition diecast replicas.
"They are cool collectables and would make perfect Christmas presents," Thompson says.
RHANZ chair Dr Jo Scott-Jones commented that with soggy milk prices and difficult weather causing farmers so much pain, it is great to see Fonterra Farm Source helping out.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
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