Let's continue to innovate
OPINION: The agricultural sector is facing a crisis, with forecasts for registering innovative animal and crop health products hitting an all-time low.
Liz Shackleton has been appointed as the new chief executive of Animal and Plant Health New Zealand, effective from 30 October 2023.
Originally from Ireland, Shackleton grew up farming and started her career as a rural veterinarian in the Waikato and Wellington regions. Having held leadership roles in MSD Animal Health’s regulatory areas, Shackleton has been leading the DairyNZ Biosecurity team including the Mycoplasma bovis Programme team since 2018.
Co-president of Animal and Plant Health NZ Vanessa Macdonald said that Shackleton’s wealth of experience across public and private sectors will be instrumental in implementing the organisation’s strategy of prioritising sustainable agriculture through ensuring the health of crops and animals.
Shackleton says she is excited about the opportunity to lead the organisation, given the critical role that healthy crops and animals play in safeguarding our sustainability.
“The potential for tomorrow starts with the work we do today to be match-fit for a better world. That starts with people, listening to and representing our members in a changing landscape.”
Animal and Plant Health NZ says the country’s primary sector generates $55 billion in export earnings. The membership association says it works closely with government agencies, industry groups and other stakeholders to help bring the necessary innovations to manage pests and diseases so that NZ food can be grown sustainably, efficiently and effectively.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
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