increase font size
New DWN board trustee Kevin Argyle.
The Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) will welcome two new trustees to its board at the organisation’s annual meeting later this month.
DWN board chair Trish Rankin says the appointments of Kevin Argyle and Rowena Duncum are set to make DWN’s future bright.
She says the high calibre of applicants made shortlisting extremely difficult and choosing who would join the board table challenging.
She says she is sure people will agree that Argyle and Duncum will bring a mix of commercial, financial, and sector knowledge to DWN.
“Both new trustees have experience in being hands-on on-farm, as well as being involved the sector in other roles,” Rankin says.
“This blend of experience and skill means they have great empathy for the on-farm challenges, but also deep knowledge in helping pave the way for sector success,” she says.
Kevin Argyle, based in Manawatu, is a passionate dairy farmer and industry leader.
With over 20 years of farming, senior executive and leadership experience across various sectors, including agriculture, tertiary education, consulting, and electricity, Argyle is known for his expertise in finance, strategy, operational management, and research and development.
He says he aims to help take DWN to the next level to increase impact for the dairy sector and its members.
“I am excited to join the DWN board to help shape the future strategy to help grow collaboration and partnership opportunities that will support the vision and aspirations of its members,” Argyle says.
“It will provide me an opportunity to leverage my skills, experience, and network to contribute to cultivating and growing capability, sharing knowledge, and supporting DWN for a better future,” he says.
Rowena Duncum, based in Auckland, is a rural commentator and MC, with experience in dairy farming and media.
Her previous roles have included work in Ireland and Wales, farming in Taranaki, and a role with LIC as a farm solutions manager.
“The support, connection and opportunities to learn and grow that DWN offer is what motivated me to join the DWN board,” says Duncum.
“At the first DWN conference I attended, I was struck by how positive and uplifting everyone was. There was such a special vibe. I really look forward to continuing the incredible work that Trustees before me have put in,” she says.
Duncum adds that although she doesn’t come from a farming family or background, the dairy sector has given her much enjoyment – as a farmer, employer, rural professional, and journalist.
She says she loves being a part of the industry and having the opportunity to help others discover their enjoyment of it too.
Along with board chair Trish Rankin, Argyle and Duncum join other trustees Lucy Johnson, Jess Moore, Jenna Smith, and associate trustee Sarah Hopkins.
The 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, Jo Sheridan, has paid tribute to women who apart from their farming connections are making contributions to their local schools and communities.
Investing in your people and in your own leadership skills is the path to success for a farming business, says economist Shamubeel Eaqub.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) has announced real estate company Bayleys will be the naming partner for its 2025 conference.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) is partnering with two agribusinesses to deliver better management tools for its members.
Two long-serving Dairy Women's Network (DWN) board trustees are stepping down.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.
