Government appoints three new directors to Pāmu board
The Government has appointed three new members to the board of state farmer Landcorp Farming Ltd, trading as Pāmu.
More than 130 of Australasia's leading agribusiness professionals will visit two farms in Pirinoa, South Wairarapa, next week.
The visit, on Wednesday, March 23, is part of the annual Platinum Primary Producers (PPP) 'Capital Connections; winds of change' Conference.
The delegation, which includes well-known industry leaders and commentators such as Steven Carden, CEO of Landcorp Farming Ltd, Prof. Jacqueline Rowarth from the University of Waikato, Malborough farmer, Doug Avery, and James Parsons, chairman of Beef + Lamb NZ, will spend time at the Warren family's Romney stud, Turanganui, and the Weatherstone family's dairy farm, Rotopai.
The field trip concludes a three day event in Wellington discussing the 'winds of change' currently sweeping across the farming landscapes of New Zealand and Australasia. A key component of the Wairarapa visit will be a fundraising event for Pirinoa rural school, which is hoping to upgrade its heat pumps and wifi system.
PPP chairman and local Wairarapa farmer, Shane McManaway, says the PPP Group, which comprises the most influential, positive and innovative agribusiness professionals in Australasia, is always committed to helping rural communities.
"We are visiting two spectacular farms in the tight knit, rural community of Pirinoa. Farms, which I am proud to say, demonstrate farming practices at their absolute best. And I can't think of a better way to show our appreciation than to support the local community hub – Pirinoa School."
The group hopes to raise between $5000 and $10,000 for the school, which will be catering and serving lunch for the delegates.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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