increase font size
John Stevenson
John Stevenson took over as Fonterra Co-operative Council chair in November last year.
He studied at Otago University for four years and achieved his Bachelor of Commerce in Management (Honours).
He then worked in employment and industrial relations at Police national headquarters for four years before returning to the family farms in 2011.
Stevenson milks 1,500 cows across two farms: a home farm at Kokotau milking 1,000 cows, another one at Rangitumau milking 500 cows.
The business employs nine full time and two part time staff.
His father Richard looks after drystock and cultivation/maintenance, with three other staff.
Stevenson is enjoying his stint as council chair.
"I have really enjoyed it. I am energised by the privilege of being able to represent the views of our farmers," he says.
"Our farmers have strong opinions on the strategy and performance of their co-operative, and they are not always aligned, so that keeps it interesting."
Stevenson believes representation is critical within a co-operative, especially "when you consider the current environment where customer demands are challenging us to change what we do behind the farm gate".
He says there's a great team of representatives around the council table.
"And, we are well supported by an excellent executie team.
"Council's role is now well established following the 2020 review of council and our work streams are very settled.
"Our vision is that, through effective representation, Fonterra farmers feel heard, valued and connected to their co-operative and have confidence in its enduring success."
Stevenson had been on the council since 2017. Before becoming chair, he chaired the council's accountability and then connection committees.
OPINION: There is zero chance that someone who joined Fonterra as a lobbyist, then served as a general manager of Fonterra's nutrient management programme, and sat on the board of Export NZ, a division of lobbyist group Business New Zealand, doesn't understand that local butter (and milk and cheese) prices are set by the international commodity price.
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
An A$2 billion bid for Fonterra's Oceania business would be great news, according to Forsyth Barr senior analyst, equities, Matt Montgomerie.
The world's largest dairy company may be in pole position to acquire Fonterra's Australian assets.
Over 85% of Fonterra farmer suppliers will be eligible for customer funding up to $1,500 for solutions designed to drive on-farm efficiency gains and reduce emissions intensity.
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
OPINION: Sydney has a $12 million milk disposal problem.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait's recovery seems to have hit another snag.
