fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 10:55

Challenges ahead for co-op farmers

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

More like this

Featured

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.

Feed help supplements Canterbury farmers meet protein goals

Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…