Developing a billion-dollar premium cider industry
Cider Apples New Zealand Limited has released a detailed 'roadmap' report that investigates how a premium cider industry could be developed in New Zealand.
Former Foundation of Arable Research (FAR) chief executive Nick Pyke is chair of the AGMARDT Board of Trustees.
Pyke, who has been a member of the board for two years, has succeeded Richard Green, who will step down from the board this year after six years as a trustee, the last two as chair.
Pyke is a founder and director of Ag Innovate Ltd and Leftfield Innovation Ltd and has extensive governance experience with agricultural business, farms and industry good organisations.
"Richard understands the industry so well and has done a brilliant job," says Pyke.
"I share his passion for the work that AGMARDT does. Our board is strongly focused on aligning with the AGMARDT strategy and on continuing to build the fund so that we can invest more in grants back into improving the food and fibre sector through innovation and developing leadership."
Green said it had been a great privilege to serve on the board.
"AGMARDT has regularly 'refreshed its bench' through bringing in new trustees to ensure diversity of thought and fresh ideas," he says.
"The recent appointment of our new general manager, Lee-Ann Marsh, was a logical time for me to also decide to step down as chair.
"I am looking forward to my final few months on the board and to supporting Nick and our fellow trustees in continuing the fantastic work that AGMARDT does."
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.