LIC reports 18% increase in beef straws used in dairy cows this spring
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.
Farmer co-operative LIC says its search for a new chief executive has been impacted by current restrictions imposed by Covid-19.
It has made an acting appointment: chief financial officer David Hazlehurst takes over as chief executive on December 1.
Chairman Murray King says the board has made good progress with the recruitment.
"We have been impressed by a number of high calibre applicants, however Covid-19 restrictions have impeded our ability to complete this process, so as an interim measure we are appointing David Hazlehurst in an acting capacity."
Hazlehurst joined LIC in 2019. Prior to that he was chief financial officer for Zespri and before that held various senior finance management roles with NZ Steel, Lion Nathan, Oxygen Business Solutions and Fonterra (in NZ and Germany).
King says appointing a chief executive is one of the most important jobs of a board.
"So, we will take the time to get it right. We know the co-op will be in good hands with David in the meantime."
Current chief executive Wayne McNee steps down on November 30 after nearly nine years in the role.
King says the board is grateful that Hazlehurst has agreed to assist when McNee ends his tenure.
"We wish Wayne all the very best with his future endeavours. The last eight years with Wayne have been a big eight years for LIC. He has led the business through a period of significant growth and transformation, and he leaves the co-op in good shape."
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.