2024/25 Dairy Statistics: NZ dairy farmers boost production with fewer cows
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.
Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) has appointed Paul Littlefair as its chief information officer.
Littlefair, who has been acting in the role since September, has previously held senior IT roles at KiwiBank, ASB Bank and the Colonial Group and was also chief information officer for the Bank of South Pacific for a time.
Chief executive Wayne McNee says Littlefair's extensive experience and leadership skills will be hugely valuable to LIC and its farmer shareholders.
"LIC is currently in the midst of a significant technology transformation programme worth more than $40 million. This work aims to provide the infrastructure and foundations that will not only support growth in the business, but enable the delivery of new innovations that add more value on-farm.
"Paul's skills, experience and strong leadership qualities will be instrumental in its success."
Littlefair starts in the role immediately, reporting to the chief executive.
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.