Synlait's back
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
Fonterra executive Leon Clement has been appointed the new chief executive of independent milk processor Synlait.
He replaces Synlait Milk co-founder John Penno, who will retain a governance role in the company.
Clement was Fonterra’s Managing Director of Fonterra Brands New Zealand and prior to that was their Managing Director of Sri Lanka and Indian Subcontinent.
Having held numerous senior leadership positions throughout his career, Clement is excited by the opportunities Synlait has created and is looking forward to taking on the role of CEO.
“I’m passionate about New Zealand agriculture, and growing people and businesses in a sustainable way,” says Clement.
“That’s why I’m so excited to be joining the Synlait team at such a pivotal time. The progress to date is impressive and under John’s leadership Synlait has achieved some significant milestones, which have set the business up well for the next phase of growth.”
“The business is in fantastic shape and we will continue to target sustainable growth by leveraging the potential within our organisation, as well as the potential in the markets and customers we partner with,” adds Clement.
Synlait chairman Grame Milne says Clement has led major businesses internationally, specifically in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, and has deep experience in the branded dairy sector.
“He brings a broad range of skills and experience that is relevant to Synlait’s future strategic initiatives.”
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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