New DINZ chair moots unity, growth
Paddy Boyd, the new chair of Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), says his priority is to make sure deer farmers are engaged and provide them confidence to grow.
Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dean Hamilton has been appointed to the Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) board for a three-year term.
Hamilton joined the board as a venison processor-appointee on 1 July, replacing Andrew West.
Deer Industry New Zealand chair Andy Macfarlane welcomed Hamilton saying “Silver Fern Farms is our largest venison processor and marketer and we are very pleased to now have a close connection to that company through Dean’s appointment. To have a leader of his calibre on the board will be an asset for DINZ and is a good signal of Silver Fern Farms’ commitment to the deer industry.”
Hamilton joined Silver Fern Farms as chief strategy officer in April 2014 and was appointed chief executive in November 2014. He has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and investment in both New Zealand and Australia, before which he held senior operational roles including chief executive of meat processor Riverlands Foods.
Macfarlane also acknowledged West’s contribution to the board.
“Andy West is an astute strategic thinker, and his insights have been invaluable over the last three years as DINZ has been developing its strategic direction. We are very grateful for his input as a director.”
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Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
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The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.