increase font size
Federated Farmers has re-elected the heads of its dairy and meat and fibre groups for another term.
Jeanette Maxwell (Meat & Fibre) and Willy Leferink (Dairy) were re-elected at the Feds' annual conference in Auckland. Both industry groups have also elected their new executives for 2012-13.
"I am honoured to be given a second year to take our Fonterra members beyond TAF. I want to ensure independents and those who supply Tatua, Synlait, Westland and Open Country Cheese are properly represented," says Leferink.
He says the dairy council appreciates the hard work invested by retiring members, especially vice-chair Robin Barkla and Kevin Robinson.
"The Dairy Council will express this separately, but our best wishes are with Michelle Riley for a full recovery."
New executive member Derek Gibson can share his positive experiences with Taranaki Regional Council while Gray Beagley offers an organic dairy farming perspective, he says.
"We have an excellent team I look forward to working with."
Leferink concluded.
Maxwell says her first year was spent listening and talking. But she plans to get meat & fibre moving this year.
"I'd like to thank my retiring executive members, my vice-chair Dugald McLean and Will Foley for their sage and accurate advice.
"I look forward to getting the input of new executive members, Richard Strowger and Rick Powdrell, on what I know will be our sector's renaissance, says Maxwell.
OPINION: You would've missed this one if you rely on mainstream media for your news, but your old mate reckons credit should go where credit's due: Emissions by dairy cattle decreased by 1.6% according to the latest NZ Greenhouse Gas Inventory report.
The lack of quality internet coverage in Northland is costing farmers time and money, says Federated Farmers Northland president Colin Hannah.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
Only this season’s $10/kgMS bumper payout has saved some dairy farms along the Taranaki coast from absolute disaster due to the present drought – dubbed as one of the worst ever for some.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
While opening the first electrode boiler at its Edendale site, Fonterra has announced a $70 million investment in two further new electrode boilers.
Fonterra says its ongoing legal battle with Australian processor Bega Cheese won’t change its divestment plans.
With an amendment to the Medicines Act proposing human medicines could be approved in 30 days if the product has approval from two recognised overseas jurisdictions, there’s a call for a similar approach where possible to be applied to some animal medicines.
The Government wants to make sure that rural communities get a level of service that people who live in cities often complacently expect.
As the New Zealand Government launches negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with India, one Canterbury-based vegetable seed breeder is already benefiting from exporting to the world's fifth-largest economy.
Onenui Station on Mahia Peninsula in northern Hawke's Bay is a world first in more ways than one.
OPINION: You would've missed this one if you rely on mainstream media for your news, but your old mate reckons…
OPINION: With the Government applying some fiscal discipline to scientific research funding, this mutt thinks it might be timely to…
