'Future-focused' farmers sought

Sitting director Jacqueline Rowarth is retiring by rotation after serving three years on the board. She is seeking re-election.

Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer by noon on Friday, September 3.

In a statement DairyNZ says farmers with a strong interest in supporting the past year has presented its own set of challenges for farmers and the sector, including workforce shortages, regulatory change and extreme weather events. "Our farmers are currently the most sustainable milk producers in the world and have made significant progress to prepare for the future, but farmers are operating in a challenging climate," says van der Poel.

"DairyNZ is in a unique position to support dairy farmers with leading research and science, and to advocate on behalf of farmers to influence future policy changes."

The DairyNZ board oversees the industry-good body's strategy, which guides future investments into a range of programmes, including industry research and development; sustainable farming; promoting careers in dairy; advocating for farmers and monitoring the strategy's delivery.

"The DairyNZ team are dedicated to helping farmers face upcoming challenges and continue improving their businesses to prosper," says van der Poel.