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.
Ravensdown has appointed Garry Diack as its new chief executive, replacing Greg Campbell who has held the position at the farmer-owned co-operative for the past eight years.
Diack joins Ravensdown from his position as chief executive and executive director of Tait Communications in July.
He has over 30 years' experience of improving corporate performance, effective governance and driving growth.
Ravensdown chair John Henderson said Diack's experience across many industries, his rural connections and his grounded-yet-innovative approach, made him a compelling proposition for the board.
"The board is excited that its search for someone that offers strategic continuity and deliberate evolution has been successful.
"There's no doubt that our purpose of enabling smarter farming for a better New Zealand has never been more important and Garry is passionate about that direction."
A firm believer in the power of co-operative business models, Christchurch-based Diack is looking forward to helping take Ravensdown forward in a changing landscape.
"Large parts of my career have been devoted to helping harness the power of New Zealand agriculture to punch above its weight in domestic and international markets.
"I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity of advising the likes of CRT, Silver Fern Farms and the predecessors to Fonterra. Through these experiences and a directorship of the Ashburton Trading Society, I have witnessed Ravensdown forge true value-based relationships with its farmers and I am privileged to be given the opportunity to play my part in the challenges of tomorrow's farming," said Diack.
"I know that Ravensdown has invested in tools and technology that have potential to be win-wins for the environment and farm profitability," he says.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
OPINION: Dipping global dairy prices have already resulted in Irish farmers facing a price cut from processors.
OPINION: Are the heydays of soaring global demand for butter over?