Positive first year for ZAG fund
As it enters its second year, Zespri says the first year of the Zespri Innovation Fund (ZAG), has been “really positive”.
Zespri chief executive Lain Jager is the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.
The prestigious agricultural communicator award was presented to Jager at Mystery Creek Fieldays last night.
The award honours those who make a significant contribution to the sector and the role they play in making New Zealand world leaders in primary production.
Jager is credited for running the best business in the primary sector, taking the kiwifruit industry from crisis to global success - now supplying 32% of global trade.
“Lain is one of those natural leaders that can take a nation with him,” says Greg Campbell, Ravensdown chief executive, “his accessibility and ability to connect with people on any level are paramount to his success. The journey Zespri has been on from the PSA outbreak to today is testament to that.”
Jager receives $2500 cash prize from Ravensdown alongside the prestigious pounamu trophy.
In its 31st year, the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award remains the premier award for agricultural communicators and is run by New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators.
“Communicating the opportunities and challenges facing the agri-sector has never been more important. The industry is full of talented, insightful and enthusiastic individuals who connect with people in a variety of ways. This award is about celebrating all those champions as well as acknowledging the efforts of one individual,” says Campbell.
"That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to support the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators with this award.”
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
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