Two new awards open to help young farmers progress to farm ownership
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Several Olympic athletes were at Fonterra's Auckland head office this morning, promoting eating a healthy breakfast and the benefits of including dairy in that.
Pole vaulter Eliza McCartney, pictured making a smoothie, Olympic gold medallist sailors Polly Powrie and Jo Aleh, trampolinist Dylan Schmidt and 2012 Olympics hepthathlete Sarah Cowley all spoke about nutrition and in particular the need for dairy protein in their breakfasts to help power their training and peak performance.
Some recipes from Eliza were on show including 5 minute Fruity Chai Spiced Porridge, Berry-Licious Walnut and Banana Smoothie Bowl, Choco-Berry and Banana Brekkie Smoothie and Scambled Egg Breakfast Muffins.
Also speaking was NZ Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith and High Performance Sport NZ nutritionist Jeni Pearce who reinforced the message.
Some of the athletes not only included milk and yoghurt but added milk powder for the extra boost.
Anchor is a sponsor the NZ Olympic Team competing soon at Rio. Leon Clement, managing director, Fonterra Brands, says they are excited to be associated with the Olympic team and the pending Olympics this year.
He says a Fonterra employee Nick Smith is also on the cusp of joining the Olympic team. Nick is in the men's hockey team, he has made the squad of 25, and in 10 days' time he finds out if he makes the squad of 16 to travel to Rio.
"Nick we are really proud you are one of us. We know how much work goes into being an elite athlete and working for us at the same time," Clement told the breakfast.
Clements says athletes know the importance of nutrition and getting a strong start with breakfast. But research has found this isn't hardwired into all Kiwis, especially those under 35.
The research showed 11% say breakfast isn't that important – one in 10 – and 20% only eat breakfast sometimes- one in five. Those under 35 are less likely to eat breakfast always.
"Kiwis need to learn more about a good breakfast and the benefits it can provide. Dairy can provide a strong role in setting us up for success in the morning – protein, energy, vitamins and minerals including calcium that are really important to start the day right."
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
OPINION: There will be no cows at Europe's largest agricultural show in Paris this year for the first time ever…
OPINION: Canterbury grows most of the country's wheat, barley and oat crops. But persistently low wheat prices, coupled with a…