Tuesday, 15 November 2022 10:55

Challenges ahead for co-op farmers

Written by Staff Reporters

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Incoming Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson (left), with predecessor James Barron.

New Fonterra Co-operative Council chair John Stevenson says there are plenty of challenges ahead for Fonterra farmers.

The Wairarapa farmer, who took over the chairmanship at the co-op's annual general meeting last week, says he's looking forward to the challenge.

"There are plenty of challenges ahead: our co-op is in a strong position and it's important our farmers have a voice," he told Dairy News.

"I'm excited with this opportunity to represent farmers."

Stevenson replaces James Barron who retired after three years in the role.

He was first elected to the council in 2017 from the Wairarapa ward. A fifth generation dairy farmer, he has been milking cows on the family farm for 12 years.

Stevenson owns two farms: a 1,000-cow farm in Carterton and a 500-cow farm in Masterton.

He is currently chair of the council's accountability committee. He was part of the DIRA working group in 2018-9 and currently serves as a council's representative on the board's co-operative relations committee.

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