Silver Fern Farms roadshow highlights global demand
The second event in the Silver Fern Farms ‘Pasture to Plate Roadshow’ landed in Feilding last week, headed by chair and King Country farmer, Anna Nelson, and chief executive Dan Boulton.
After eight years in the role, Silver Fern Farms chief executive Keith Cooper is stepping down.
Cooper has been with the cooperative since 1989 and has led the company through some significant changes, with the creation of the Silver Fern Farms brand and implementation of a value creation strategy covering consumer range, commercialisation of the Beef Eating Quality System and FarmIQ.
Now with the company returning to profit, Cooper felt it was a good time to step down and try something new.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the creation of a cooperative food company; however the timing is right for change, for someone with different skill sets and a high level of energy to take Silver Fern Farms through its next phase of development,” Cooper said.
The company has appointed Dean Hamilton as interim chief executive. Hamilton joined the company in April this year as chief strategy officer; he will transition into the new role over the coming months.
“The board is pleased that Dean has agreed to lead the company through this next phase. He brings with him extensive financial and operational senior leadership experience as well as a good understanding of the business,” said chairman Rob Hewitt.
Cooper is yet to announce his next career move.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
Fonterra shareholders say they will be keeping an eye on their co-operative's performance after the sale of its consumer businesses.
T&G Global says its 2025 New Zealand apple season has delivered higher returns for growers, reflecting strong global consumer demand and pricing across its Envy and Jazz apple brands.
New Zealand's primary sector is set to reach a record $62 billion in food and fibre exports next year.
A new levying body, currently with the working title of NZWool, has been proposed to secure the future of New Zealand's strong wool sector.
The most talked about, economically transformational pieces of legislation in a generation have finally begun their journey into the statute books.

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