Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Federated Farmers has welcomed Gavin Forrest to the position of general manager, policy and advocacy.
Prior to this appointment, Forrest was principal adviser, sector policy, policy and trade at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and spent more than four years as private secretary to three Government Ministers.
He also worked on a number of MPI projects including the Regional Growth Programme and Farm Systems Change.
Federated Farmers President William Rolleston says Forrest is an ideal fit for the role with more than 20 years policy development and advocacy experience in the primary industry as well as previous experience working for the Federation.
"Mr Forrest understands the agricultural sector and its ongoing challenges. Having started life as a sheep and beef farmer he's got an excellent understanding farming and the role and goals of Federated Farmers," says Rolleston..
"We look forward to drawing upon his vast wealth of knowledge, and firmly established relationships to further enhance the representation of Kiwi farmers."
As the previous Federated Farmers deputy director of policy, Forrest managed a range of national, regional and local policies across the organisation. He also held positions from branch chairman through to provincial senior vice-president as a farmer representative.
Forrest says, "This is an exciting time. My passion is and will always be for the long-term prosperity of the primary sector and its people by removing barriers and exploring opportunities.
"Federated Farmers is a unique and great organisation to work for. The work of its farmer representatives and staff is strongly exhibited in their dedication and enthusiasm," said Forrest.
Forrest also holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
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