What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
LINCOLN University Vice-Chancellor Dr Andrew West has resigned.
West says he is resigning for personal reasons.
"I am proud of what the university has achieved under my leadership. It has been a fabulous three years and Lincoln is on track to become one of the world's truly great land-based universities", he says.
"However my commitment of time, energy and focus has been so great that it is now appropriate that I refocus on my family that live in the Waikato and on my very elderly parents that live in England.
"I want to wish the university every future success. It is a fabulous place to study and I'd encourage any young New Zealanders interested in careers in the country's most important industry to enrol there."
The university's Chancellor, Tom Lambie, acknowledged West's significant contribution.
"In the past three years under Dr West the University has focused on its land-based specialisation through qualification reforms, revitalisation of capability, in-principle investment of $100m by Government in Lincoln, and growth in student enrolments", says Lambie.
"The university wishes West well in his ongoing career in global agri-business."
Three men have been sentenced in District Courts after Ministry for Primary Industries prosecutions over animal welfare, food safety and cattle tracing offences.
Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.
OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.
Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.
Hamilton-based agritech company Aimer Farming has completed a $3 million capital raise to support its next stage of growth, including a beef farming product due to launch in 2027.
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.

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