Well-placed to weather conflicts
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
Greg Campbell has taken over from long-serving CEO Rodney Green as head of the billion-dollar farmers' co-operative, Ravensdown.
Campbell was previously CEO of Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation and brings international experience as a chief executive. He is in on the boards of a number of companies and has previously been on the board of PGG Wrightson.
"The agricultural sector is the pillar of New Zealand's economic prosperity and it's important we manage our soil, water and air in a sustainable manner," Campbell says.
"Carefully-managed pasture-based production is the best way to meet our output targets while taking care of the environment," he says.
He says the co-operative structure of Ravensdown appeals to him, as the company is not driven by share price or short-term focus.
"Essentially the profits are returned to our owners and customers. We are able to invest in products and services that will underpin the company, our owners' businesses and the future of New Zealand agriculture."
The Chairman of Ravensdown, Bill McLeod says: "Greg is someone who will continue the innovative direction Ravensdown has taken for some years while maintaining the culture we have with customers, staff and suppliers."
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.