Sheep Breeder Forum 2026 to Showcase Latest Advances in Sheep Genetics
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Rangitikei hill country farmer Andrew Stewart has been elected the Western North Island farmer director.
Sitting Beef + Lamb NZ farmer director Scott Gower has been voted out by farmers.
The results of voting for the Western North Island electorate show Rangitikei hill country farmer Andrew Stewart getting 4233 weighted votes to Gower’s 3502 weighted votes – a winning margin of 731.
Stewart joins the B+LNZ board at its annual meeting in Rotorua next week.
B+LNZ board chair Kate Acland congratulated Stewart and thanked Gower for his work as the incumbent director.
“I know Andrew will bring new thinking and fresh ideas, along with a determination to be future-focused and I look forward to working with him on the board,” says Acland.
Turnout for this director election was just short of 13%, which is on par with other comparable organisations, says Acland.
“This was pleasing given it was the first year of moving to online- only voting. I really encourage farmers to get involved and have their say via the voting process whenever they have the opportunity” Acland says.
Gower will be formally farewelled after the annual meeting.
Acland thanked Gower for his six years of service.
“Scott has made a fantastic contribution during his time as director bringing a large-scale, grassroots hill country farming perspective to the board table. As chair of the people & culture committee he played an important role in the refresh of B+LNZ’s strategy and the appointment of our new CEO. I wish him all the very best for his next endeavours.”
The New Zealand red meat sector has signed an open letter to parliamentarians from BusinessNZ, urging swift ratification of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Wools of New Zealand is joining calls for New Zealand to urgently ratify a Free Trade Agreement with India.
Fonterra says Richard Allen will succeed Miles Hurrell as its new chief executive.
Cyclone Vaianu is continuing its track south towards the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rain, and large swells, says Metservice.
While Cyclone Vaianu remains off the East Coast of New Zealand, the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says impacts have been felt overnight.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.

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