Next generation of DNA testing
Herd improvement co-operative LIC is combining its DNA parentage testing and genomic evaluation services into one convenient service to help farmers identify their highest genetic merit animals.
Northland farmer Ken Hames has been elected to the Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) board.
Hames, elected following a shareholder election, will serve a four-year term effective 1 June 2019.
Ken and his wife Janine have a dairy equity partnership at Wellsford as well as a beef farm at Paparoa. Ken has been involved in farming for more than 30 years and has held previous governance roles at Northland Beef + Lamb Council, Northpower Ltd and West Coast Energy Ltd.
He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from Massey University and has completed many agriculture and governance related courses such as the Fonterra Governance Development Programme.
LIC board chairman Murray King said the appointment is a reflection of Ken’s professional and farming expertise.
“Strong,effective governance of LIC is critical to protect and grow the co-operative for our shareholders. Ken has extensive governance experience particularly in areas of strategy, risk management and investment analysis, which will serve him well in his new role.
“Having lived and farmed in Northland all his life, Ken brings a strong and capable representation of Northern region farmers to the Board.”
Ken Hames, replaces long-standing LIC director of 19 years, Murray Jagger, who will retire at the end of May.
King thanked Jagger for his contribution to LIC and the dairy industry.
“Murray has been an instrumental voice on the Board, ensuring the best interests of New Zealand dairy farmers were always at the forefront of discussion.
“He is innately passionate about the industry with a deep empathy and understanding of farmers. On behalf of the Board, I wish him all the best for the next chapter.”
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.
OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…
OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…