MSA triumph
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first foray into fertiliser co-operative governance.
Ravensdown have won the Large Business Award at the 2015 Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce Awards.
In the Hawkes Bay region the fertiliser co-op has several stores - a spreading venture, customer contact centre, laboratory and a superphosphate manufacturing plant.
Regional manager Jamie Thompson says the whole team can take pride in this acknowledgement of its contribution to the Hawkes Bay economy.
Ravensdown's understanding of how technology can accelerate business success, good implementation of health and safety practices and the strong focus on people development was what ultimately impressed the judges.
"Like any long-established business, there's a danger of being taken for granted. But those who depend on us, such as local farmers, port workers, transporters and service businesses, all know the importance of a successful Ravensdown."
Ravendown have been operating their seven-hectare manufacturing plant since 1953, ISO 9001 quality accredited since 1996 and ISO 14001 environmentally accredited since 1998. It is the largest superphosphate manufacturing plant in New Zealand with products being applied across nearly one million hectares of farmland throughout the North Island.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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