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.
Labour's primary industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor says the second TAF vote must be "comprehensive and democratic".
He wants a postal ballot, rather than voting at a special meeting to be held on June 25.
"All Fonterra farmers must be given the right to have their say on the core issue of whether TAF is needed, and not be distracted by the issues of milk price and share value.
"The message I get from a growing number of farmers is that each and every one of them wants to see the full details and due diligence on TAF proposals and then make a decision to support it or not by way of postal vote.
"Any attempt by Fonterra to seek partial endorsement of TAF, before the details are known by its shareholder-farmers, is, in my view, an undermining of their basic shareholder rights."
O'Connor also wants the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill currently before Parliament to be withdrawn until a clear mandate is received for TAF to proceed.
"The legislation as it stands will create a dilemma for farmers and will impose milk price interference and manipulated share price on their cooperative if they reject TAF.
"Fonterra's directors have astutely recognised the growing concern among farmers regarding the proposed changes, which have yet to be fully detailed or explained by the board of Fonterra."
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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