Lower North Island farmers “cautiously optimistic” heading into winter – DairyNZ
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
WOMEN WORKING in the dairy industry are being urged to get their nominations in for the 2014 Dairy Woman of the Year award, which closes for entry on November 15, 2013.
Sponsored by Fonterra, the prestigious award includes the chance to attend the year-long Women in Leadership programme valued at $25,000 and delivered by Global Women.
Dairy Women's Network executive chair Michelle Wilson says the Dairy Woman of the Year award celebrates and advances women who are making a real difference in the dairy industry, in their dairying businesses and in their communities.
"So many dairying women are the pillars of their communities. They are extraordinarily passionate farmers, pushing not only their own boundaries but those of the industry, continuously looking for ways we can all benefit. We want to hear about these women.
"If you're a colleague, friend, husband or business partner, find out how to nominate these women for this nationally recognised award before entries close on November 15."
Past winners of the award include DairyNZ director and Taranaki dairy farm owner Barbara Kuriger and BEL Group business manager Justine Kidd from Waipukurau.
The Dairy Woman of the Year will be announced at a gala dinner at the Dairy Women's Network annual conference on March 20, 2014 in Hamilton. Full information and nomination forms can be downloaded at the Dairy Women's Network website: www.dwn.co.nz .
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
BNZ says its new initiative, helping make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier, is being well received by customers and rural professionals.
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.
A rare weather double-whammy has seen many South Island farmers having to deal with unseasonal snow while still cut off from power supplies after an unprecedented windstorm.
One of Fonterra's largest milk suppliers says Fonterra's board and management have got what they wanted - a great turnout and a positive signal from shareholders on the sale of its co-operative's consumer and related business.