Cameron Henderson Reappointed Unopposed as DairyNZ Deputy Chair
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
DairyNZ says its focus on farm profit last year is paying dividends.
Chief executive Tim Mackle says over 2000 regional discussions groups with case study farms were held during 2014-15.
He says the exercise achieved an average gain of $90,000 after implementing action plans; an increase of 50% over the previous year.
This year DairyNZ will spend $17 million on farm profit activities, 2% more than last year.
Mackle says the activities include field days to help farmers weather the low milk payouts.
Other top spends this year will be R&D ($18m), biosecurity and product integrity ($17m), environmental stewardship ($13m) and people ($8m).
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.