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Federated Farmers says John Wilson is the right man to lead Fonterra.
"John may be stepping into big shoes but he is ably equipped to do so," says Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Willy Leferink. Wilson was today appointed chairman elect and takes over from Henry van der Heyden in December.
"John is an immensely intelligent and capable farmer with that all-important institutional knowledge of where Fonterra has come from. Since he has been on the board, Fonterra has gone from generating $11.8 billion in revenue to around $20 billion today."
Being the chairman of Fonterra puts you in the spotlight locally and internationally, says Leferink.
"Federated Farmers strongly hopes John will put in place a clear succession pathway by creating a deputy chair. A lack of board succession is a strategic weakness given Fonterra is a team made up of farmers, staff, customers and suppliers.
"John will be in charge of taking the world's fourth largest dairy company forward in its second decade of life. This includes delivering to shareholders and unit holders, everything promised from Trading Among Farmers (TAF) and the strategy refresh.
"The immediate priority for John, during the transition phase, is to put to bed Fonterra's constitution in November so we can all move forward."
Leferink says Feds executives look forward to meeting Wilson soon.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
Only this season’s $10/kgMS bumper payout has saved some dairy farms along the Taranaki coast from absolute disaster due to the present drought – dubbed as one of the worst ever for some.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
Only this season’s $10/kgMS bumper payout has saved some dairy farms along the Taranaki coast from absolute disaster due to the present drought – dubbed as one of the worst ever for some.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
