Unit holders finally smiling
After years of average or below-average returns, Fonterra unit holders received a record dividend in 2023.
Fonterra Shareholders Fund chairman, left, pictured with former agriculture minister Nathan Guy, will step down at the end of the year.
The independent chair of Fonterra Shareholders Fund John Shewan is stepping down later this year.
Another director Kim Ellis has also indicated his intention to retire at the fund's annual meeting in November.
The fund board has appointed Mary-Jane Daly as chair-elect.
Daly was elected to the board in November 2020.
She is currently chair of the Earthquake Commission and an Independent Director of Kiwibank and Kiwi Property Group Limited. She has a strong background in insurance, banking and finance with experience in a variety of senior roles both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
One young couple is proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.

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