Herd production performance soars
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
LIC chairman Murray King has won the Cooperative Leader of the Year award.
Presented this month in Christchurch at the Cooperative Business NZ Awards 2018, the award recognises strong leadership and commitment to the co-op sector.
King, a Nelson dairy farmer, has a longstanding links with LIC and dairy farming in the upper South Island. He was first elected to LIC’s board in 2009 and has been re-elected twice as chairman since 2012.
LIC says as chairman, King has steered LIC through significant change and disruption in the dairy sector.
His vision and leadership was vital to the success of LIC’s recent business-wide transformation, made to keep the co-op fit for the future. It included simplifying the share structure as fairer for shareholders, and seperating LIC into two businesses.
The transformation has so far brought $60 million in recurring revenue and $30.7m in one-off benefits for the cooperative. LIC’s most recent results showed it had its best-ever annual revenue.
Chief executive Wayne McNee says King has shown exceptional leadership over the past three years, navigating unprecedented disruption in the industry and protecting and growing LIC for the benefit of its 10,500 shareholders.
“As a strong advocate for the co-op model generally, Murray has worked tirelessly to engage and consult with the New Zealand farming community to ensure their voices continue to be heard.”
The award was presented at the Cooperative Business NZ’s annual dinner in Christchurch this month.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.