Rural schools receive over $100,000
Rural primary schools have received more than $109,000 from ANZCO Foods as part of the company’s Sponsor a School Programme, with several recipients located in the South Island.
The Kellogg Rural Leadership programme at Lincoln University has had a makeover with a new structure and fresh content.
"The changes introduced this year include a shortened six-month programme and a second course starting in June," says Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme general manager Anne Hindson.
Twenty-three participants have enrolled under the new structure, which includes three residential components and an industry-based project.
"The previous model was an 11-month programme with one residential module in January and another in November, causing issues for some of the large sectors. A January course is difficult for those in arable and horticulture sectors, particularly if they are hands-on farmers," says Hindson.
Field trips are another new initiative, giving participants the opportunity to visit different producers and businesses in the larger sectors.
"This is linked to syndicate work, where strategy and leadership are explored in the context of visited organisations," Hindson says.
Programme participants are selected to ensure a varied mix in terms of sector, age, gender, and geographical location.
According to Hindson the cross-sector mix encourages greater knowledge of the New Zealand primary industries and builds networks
"As well as people from the dairy, red meat, horticulture and arable industries, there is a large group from the agri-business sector including bankers, consultants and vets working in rural communities," She says.
Hindson says the course provides the tools and knowledge necessary for leadership success in the primary sector. However, she adds, the programme relies on industry support and sponsorship.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
Rural trader PGG Wrightson has revised its operating earnings guidance, saying trading conditions have deteriorated since the last market update in February.
It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.
AgriZeroNZ, a joint venture fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for farmers, is pouring $5 million in a biotech company to develop a low emissions farm pasture with increased productivity gains.