Farmers' call
OPINION: Fonterra's $4.22 billion consumer business sale to Lactalis is ruffling a few feathers outside the dairy industry.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says the governance and representation review was “a thorough and thoughtful process”.
Over 600 farmer meetings were held during the review process.
Wilson thanked farmers for supporting the changes, including reducing the board size from 13 to 11. Final voting figures show 85.96% support among farmers. The co-op needed at least 75% farmer shareholders support.
A proposal to revamp the Fonterra Shareholders Council was passed with 88% support.
Wilson says farmers have had a lot on their plate over the past two years. Low milk prices and weather have made life challenging on farm.
“I thank farmers for their efforts.”
He also thanked Shareholders Council members and area managers for their efforts.
Just over 50% of Fonterra farmers cast their votes.
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.