McRae Wins Southern South Island B+LNZ Director Vote
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Voting has opened for B+LNZ director elections.
In Western North Island, Scott Gower of Ohura and Andrew Stewart of Marton are standing to replace outgoing director Kirsten Bryant, who is not seeking re-election.
In Central South Island Nicky Hyslop of Timaru and incumbent director Bill Wright of Cave are standing.
“Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s board plays an important role in shaping the direction of the sector and our farmer directors are a vital link between the organisation and sheep and beef farmers across the country,” says B+LNZ’s chairman Andrew Morrison.
“It’s great to see farmers putting up their hands in both districts to contest the elections as it demonstrates the value they see in contributing to help lead the sector.
“With voting documents arriving in mailboxes in the coming days, I encourage farmers to take the time to consider the candidates standing in both districts.”
To be eligible to vote, a livestock farmer must, on 30 June 2018, have owned at least 250 sheep, 50 beef cattle, or 100 dairy cattle.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.
Rural leader Mark Hooper has been appointed as an independent director to the NZPork board, bringing extensive farming, governance and advocacy experience to the role.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…