Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
Fonterra Cooperative Ltd says its chief financial officer Jonathan Mason will retire in the next six months and has started an international search to replace him.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says Jonathan Mason had always indicated Fonterra would be his last full time role.
"Jonathan joined Fonterra in the midst of the global financial crisis in 2009 and, under his leadership, ensured the cooperative's financial position was strengthened through those difficult times," says Spierings.
"Jonathan has also played a leading role in the launch of Trading Among Farmers, which has significantly improved the cooperative's capital structure.
"Jonathan will leave Fonterra in a much stronger position and we are grateful to him for this contribution."
Spierings says Mason has agreed to support the cooperative through to the end of the financial year while Fonterra identified a successor.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.