Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra executive, Jason Minkhorst will join Ballance Agri-Nutrients early next year as its new general manager sales.
Minkhosrt is director Farm Source Stores and has extensive commercial experience from more than 15 years in senior executive and governance roles in the dairy sector.
He joins Ballance in March.
Ballance chief executive Mark Wynne, himself a former Fonterra executive, says Minkhorst’s deep knowledge of agri-business and genuine passion for the primary sector will be hugely valuable as Ballance focuses on the changing needs of New Zealand farmers and growers – providing tailored nutrients and advisory services, backed by the best science and technology.
“It’s great to have Jason joining us at what is a really exciting time for Ballance. He has an outstanding track record in rural leadership, sales strategy, growing competitive capability and delivering what rural customers want.
“GM Sales is a key role around our leadership table as we keep growing strength in our business and value for New Zealand.
“Our customers are increasingly looking to us to help them navigate a fast-changing regulatory landscape in New Zealand and stay ahead of global demand trends for premium food and natural fibres.”
Minkhorst will be based at Ballance’s Mount Maunganui corporate office, responsible for Ballance’s sales strategy and a nationwide team of nutrient specialists, along with customer services, key accounts, retail merchant relationships, sales operations, sales capability and the cooperative’s Science Extension team that is focused on knowledge sharing with farmers.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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