DairyBase and MINDA Link Up to Cut Farmer Paperwork
Farmers can spend less time on paperwork, thanks to a new data sharing agreement between DairyNZ’s DairyBase and LIC’s MINDA software.
Herd improvement company LIC says it's well-positioned for the challenges ahead and remains focused on its core purpose - delivering value for farmer shareholders.
LIC chairman Corrigan Sowman made the comment at the co-op's annual meeting in Hamilton last month.
Sowman, a dairy farmer from Golden Bay, acknowledged the headwinds the sector may face but expressed confidence in LIC's resilience and future potential.
"Our cooperative is well-positioned for the challengesahead. We remain focused on our core purpose: delivering value for our farmer shareholders. This goes beyond short-term gains. Our decisions today shape the future of New Zealand's national herd."
Looking forward, LIC says it will continue to innovate and invest in the health and productivity of herds, using cutting-edge genetic improvements and data-driven solutions to support farmers.
"LIC is here to safeguard the future of farming in New Zealand. Our teams are working hard every day to improve herd performance, which in turn supports the strength of our communities and the broader dairy sector," says Sowman.
Reflecting on the cooperative's financial performance, Sowman emphasised LIC's ability to deliver a sustainable profit and a solid return for its shareholders despite a challenging economic environment.
"We are proud to have closed the year with a respectable profit of $7.7 million and a total dividend of 18.84 cents per share, thanks to prudent management and a strong balance sheet with no debt."
The co-operative forecasts underlying earnings of $16-22 million for 2024/25, barring any significant external factors.
Sowman notes that with a strong financial foundation and no debt, LIC is positioned to continue delivering long-term value to its farmer-shareholders.
At the AGM, LIC welcomed two new directors - Mike O'Connor, North Island region, and Tony Coltman, South Island region, and a new member of the Shareholder Reference Group (SRG).
New Zealand's citrus growers were challenged to build their future on the value embedded in their fruit rather than the volume they produce, at Citrus New Zealand's annual gathering in Gisborne on 17 September.
Leading John Deere technicians and apprentices from New Zealand and Australians were recognised at the recent sixth annual JD Technician of the Year Awards, held in Brisbane.
In Dacre, near Invercargill in New Zealand’s South Island, Bruce Dinnington is running a dairy operation unlike any other.
A free online platform aggregating governance vacancies across rural and regional New Zealand has been launched.
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg has announced details of a new rural plastics recycling scheme.
Agricultural drone operators say that a government decision to allow lower-risk drone work without certification won’t lower standards but drive innovation and efficiency.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…