Dairy farmer profits to hit record levels in 2025
The profitability of dairy farmers is likely to increase in the coming year, accordign to the latest report by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on the outlook for the primary sector.
Liz Coutts has been appointed the new chair; Coutts joined Skellerup’s board in 2002, and is currently chair of the company’s audit and risk management committee.
Coutts said it was an exciting time for Skellerup, which has delivered solid results over the past couple of years despite many of its key customer groups having to manage tough market conditions.
The company provides rubber products to the dairy industry; low milk prices affected the company’s agri business.
Coutts paid tribute to Cushing’s contribution and noted he remains a director and Skellerup’s largest shareholder.
“Selwyn has been an outstanding chairman. Under his leadership Skellerup has greatly improved its performance to deliver shareholders consistent financial results, a robust financial position and increased dividends. His are big shoes to fill.”
Over the past 20 years, Coutts has been a director of companies operating in various sectors including primary production, manufacturing, logistics, and sport. She is currently chair of aged care provider Oceania Healthcare, Ports of Auckland and privately-owned fishing company Urwin & Co, and a director of EBOS Group, Sanford, Yellow Pages and Tennis Auckland. She is also vice president of the Institute of Directors, and was last year appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to governance.
Coutts is one of four independent directors on the six-strong Skellerup board.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.