Ravensdown partners with Footrot Flats to celebrate Kiwi farming heritage
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Taranaki farmer and former Ravensdown employee, Mike Davey has been elected to the co-op’s board.
Davey has been elected director Area 5, which stretches from New Plymouth to Wellington City and includes southern parts of Rurapehu and Taupō.
He is a cropping farmer, an elected member of Taranaki Regional Council and has over 40 years’ experience in the fertiliser business.
Ravensdown chair John Henderson says Davey’s knowledge of the co-operative will be an asset shareholders navigate an evolving regulatory environment.
“Ravensdown is striving to provide a dependable supply of quality products in a truly integrated way while anticipating farmers’ needs in a changing landscape. This is no small challenge and Mike joining the board is a most welcome addition,” says Henderson.
“The main reason our shareholders seek their co-operative’s support is to help them with the efficient use of nutrients to optimise production within their commitments to the environment. This is at the heart of smarter farming, which is a subject I know Mike is passionate about.”
As an advocate for the rural sector and someone who was employed in the fertiliser industry since he was 15, Davey is a known figure who left Ravensdown in March 2020.
“I look forward to bringing to the table my knowledge and commitment to our co-operative and working with my fellow board members as they continue setting the direction for Ravensdown at such a critical time for the sector,” says Davey.
John Henderson has reached the 12-year maximum term for an elected director. He now becomes one of the three appointed directors and continues as chair.
“I’d like to thank all the shareholders in the region who have shown support for the co-operative and for my efforts as director – it’s been a privilege to represent them. I also acknowledge all the other candidates and those who voted in the Area 5 election because it shows a healthy participation and interest in a co-operative that has such a vital role to play,” Henderson concluded.
Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the general manager of its Penske NZ operations, effective immediately In this role he will oversee all NZ branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, and rail, while continuing to be based at Penske’s Christchurch branch.
According to the latest Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report, released today, farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.
The Climate Change Commission has recommended maintaining the current New Zealand Emissions Trading System (NZ ETS) settings but warns of a potential unit shortfall as early as 2028.
The Conservative Party warns that the upcoming free trade agreement between New Zealand and India may prioritise increased labour mobility while offering limited reassurance for New Zealand workers.
Southland District Council says it is actively managing the impacts of the current fuel supply challenges to ensure essential services across the district continue to operate safely and reliably.
A large crowd turned out for the last of the field days of the three finalists in this years Ahuwhenua Trophy to determine the top Maori horticulture entity in Aotearoa New Zealand

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