Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
Fonterra Shareholders Council chairman, Ian Brown has been re-elected unopposed for a third term.
Brown is looking forward to leading the council for another 12 months. "I appreciate the support I continue to receive from councillors," he says.
The council has a new deputy chair; Duncan Coull was also elected unopposed and takes up his new role on July 29 for a 12 month term.
Coull was elected to the council in 2010 to represent the Otorohanga ward; he also serves as the chair of the council's representation committee.
He replaces Philip Palmer who is stepping down from the role after two terms.
Brown praised Palmer's contribution as deputy chair.
"Philip's support was incredibly valuable during what was a pivotal two years for the council and our cooperative and I thank him for his hard work and dedication.
"I now look forward to working with Duncan and am confident he will do a great job for the council as we continue to work to improve Fonterra farmers' returns through effective monitoring and strong representation."
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
The head of Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment, Professor Paul Kenyon, says the outlook for the primary sector is positive with record numbers of students enrolling for Massey's range of undergraduate courses in the primary sector.