Coutts appointed chair-elect of Mainland Group
Fonterra has named Elizabeth (Liz) Coutts the chair of Mainland Group, the proposed divestment entity of the co-operative’s consumer business.
Judging has begun to select the winners in the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards from the record 525 entrants.
The entrants are split among 12 regions, with regional competitions selecting the best to proceed on to the national finals. Further judging will determine the New Zealand winners in the Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year contests.
By the end of March the 525 entrants will have been whittled down to 36 regional winners and just three will take out the national honours in Auckland in May.
"Entrants may think the odds of winning are against them, but we like to think all entrants are winners in the awards – by either meeting new people, learning something about themselves, setting new goals or by making improvements to their farm business," national convener Chris Keeping says.
Judging takes place throughout February and involves a two-hour on-farm presentation for entrants in the sharemilker/equity farmer and farm manager contests.
"It's really important entrants have planned how they manage this time and we try to encourage them to be original and unique, and to really demonstrate their passion for dairy farming. They should also outline their future plans and career goals."
Keeping says those who gain the most from judging are the best organised. It is recommended entrants read the judging criteria, seek advice from past entrants about what to expect, have a practice run-through and avoid any distractions.
Entrants in the dairy trainee contest will compete in a 30-minute practical session in a central location, as part of their judging criteria.
The awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner AgITO.
Judging continues throughout February, with the first regional winners announced in Hawkes Bay Wairarapa on February 28.
Further information on the awards can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
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