RMA Reform: Sheep & Beef Farmers React to New Bills
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says it welcomes the passage of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill, calling the bills a positive step for sheep and beef farmers.
Ravensdown chair Bruce Wills says this year's election generated a strong level of interest among shareholders, with more than 21% of the co-operative's transacting shareholders voting.
"Both Jane and Kate bring strong governance experience and a deep understanding of New Zealand agriculture and the challenges and opportunities we face," Wills says.
Jane Montgomery Re-Elected for Third Term
Montgomery, re-elected to the board for a third term, has extensive hands-on farming experience across several sectors. She co-owns a dairy grazing and horticulture property in North Canterbury and, with her husband, operates a sheep and beef farm in South Otago along with a value-added farm product business.
Montgomery has served on the Ravensdown Board for six years, contributing to the co-operative's governance through a period of significant market and supply-chain challenges. She sits on the Board's Audit and Risk Committee and Appointments and Remuneration Committee, and chairs a Special Project Working Group.
She is also Chair of Future of Fibre Aotearoa and has previously held governance roles with the J R McKenzie Trust and AgResearch, where she served as an Associate Director.
Kate Acland Elected to the Board
Newly elected to the Ravensdown Board, Kate Acland is a farmer, business owner and experienced director. Together with her husband David and their family, she owns and operates Mt Somers Station, a diversified 3,800-hectare Mid Canterbury farming business spanning sheep, beef, dairy and honey.
Acland also founded Sugar Loaf Wines, a Marlborough vineyard, winery and export business supplying 22 international markets.
She currently chairs Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board, and is a director of the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand. She previously served as a director of farmer supply co-operative Ashburton Trading Society, trading as Ruralco.
Outgoing Director Mike Davey Farewelled
Wills paid tribute to outgoing director Mike Davey, who chose not to seek re-election at the end of his term.
"Mike has made a significant contribution over many years, both to Ravensdown and to the wider fertiliser industry," Wills says. "During his five years on the Ravensdown Board, his deep industry knowledge, passion for the co-operative and thoughtful approach to governance have been greatly valued."
"On behalf of the Board, I thank Mike for his long-standing service and commitment and wish him all the very best for the future."
Wills also thanked Stuart Taylor for standing in this year's election.
"Throughout the election period, it was heartening to witness such a high calibre of candidates express their interest in the performance and direction of Ravensdown," Wills says.
As a standing director, Montgomery is automatically reappointed to the board. Acland will take up office following Ravensdown's 2026 Annual Meeting, at 1pm on Thursday.
