Synlait CEO Resignation Highlights Deeper Challenges Facing Dairy Processor
A revolving door of chief executives at milk processor Synlait is a warning sign, says Lincon University senior lecturer in agribusiness Nic Lees.
OPINION: A mate of yours truly asks if the financial pickle that milk company Synlait currently finds itself in is a case of the people supposed to be in charge of the company taking their eyes off the ball.
The majority Chinese-owned dairy company - once the darling of financial markets - now has analysts saying it will take several years to recover after posting its recent financial loss.
John Penno was parachuted in as chief executive again, but his so-called Midas touch appears to have disappeared, with the company now selling assets and culling staff.
This old mutt's sources say while Penno appears to be good at selling the sizzle, there was never much sausage behind this and that is now coming home to roost.
They are also questioning the time Penno spent last year spruiking the Government's hugely unpopular new freshwater regulations when things at Synlait were turning pear-shaped.
Mainland Poultry has confirmed new ownership of its vertically integrated agribusiness with Pacific Equity Partners Gateway (PEP Gateway) now joining current shareholders Navis.
The recently published State of the Industry -Tractors and Machinery 2025 from the Australian Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA), the equivalent of New Zealand’s TAMA, gives an interesting perspective of the industry.
Strong competition and tightening supply have seen wool reach its highest prices paid at auction since 2011.
The Government is funding a feasibility study to investigate what would be required for a successful farmer-led purchase of the McCain Foods' vegetable processing site in Hastings.
A young man just five years out of his Lincoln University degree already has his foot in the door of farm ownership, as equity manager of a large new dairy conversion now taking shape in Mid- Canterbury.
Visitors to the LIC stand at this year’s Fieldays can expect practical farm conversations, specialist drop-in sessions and exclusive shareholder events.

OPINION: The old saying 'a new broom sweeps clean' doesn't always hold up, if you ask the Hound.
OPINION: This old mutt went to school to eat his lunch, but still knows the future of the country, and…