New chair for fertiliser co-op

Current chair, John Henderson will conclude his term on May 31, after 8 years in the role and 18 years on the board. Wills was voted in as a Ravensdown director in 2015 and has been working closely with Henderson during the past year.

Wills says he is excited about the co-operative's future, which is focusing on improving farmers' and growers' environmental and productive performance.

"I am passionate about Ravensdown's role as nutrient leaders in the areas of science, supply and solutions for an ag sector striving for more sustainable ways forward."

Wills is the current chair of the Primary Industries Training Organisation, the QEII National Trust, Apiculture NZ and the deer industry primary-growth partnership. He was awarded the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit last year for services to agriculture and the environment.

Wills has thanked Henderson for his work at the fertiliser co-op, describing him as a stalwart leader in the sector.

Henderson had been scheduled to retire from the board last September but was asked to continue on for a further 12 months to provide continuity with new chief executive Garry Diack taking the helm.

He says he is particularly proud of Ravensdown's focus on the science and technology behind its nutrient expertise.

"In my time as chair the issues confronting the co-operative, its farmers and growers have changed dramatically," Henderson says. "Our team is confronting this challenge and establishing themselves as trusted advisors and chosen partners in the ag sector."

He believes the co-op's solutions will assist the ag sector in dealing with greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and productivity.