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.
OPINION: The Hound reckons that Rob “I’ll be chair, I don’t care where”’ Hewett will be looking forward to the Christmas break more than most – despite being named chair of the year at a recent business awards ceremony.
That’s because the two farmer co-ops Hewett chairs have both recently reported losses for the past year.
Silver Fern Farms posted a massive loss of $98 million and the struggling Farmlands a $700k loss.
For the self-confessed big ‘Jacinda fan’ and supposed top-notch businessman this is a pretty poor record.
Meanwhile, it seems the trouble at Farmlands is not just around its poor bottom-line performance but the co-op’s whole business model.
Shareholders, suppliers and customers seem very upset with the direction and ‘reconfiguring’ the business. ‘Chairman Rob’ also has the ongoing disaster that is Wool Impact, which seems to have done bugger all.
Engaging, thought provoking speakers, relevant seminars and relatable topics alongside innovative produces and services are the order of the day at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Farm supplies trader Ruralco has recovered from two consecutive years of losses to post a $1.25 million profit for the 2025 financial year.
Naki Honey, a New Zealand manuka apiary company, has crafted what is believed to be the world's most expensive honey.
OPINION: Wool farmers believe the future of strong wool still holds promise.
Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.
OPINION: Farmers are being asked to celebrate a target that changes nothing for the climate, wastes taxpayer money, and ignores real science.

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One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…