Boost for NZ, Nordic Jerseys genetic link
A new collaboration is underway to improve the genetic links between the New Zealand and Nordic Jersey cattle populations.
LIC director Steve Poole will step down at the end of next month.
Poole has chosen not to seek re-election; the LIC board is made up of seven farmer-elected directors and three independent directors.
Poole joined the LIC board in 2010 and has served two terms as one of two farmer-elected directors for the central (North Island) region. Both central region LIC directors will complete their current term on May 31, with replacements to be determined by shareholder election. Voting packs were distributed to shareholders last week.
LIC board chair Murray King says Steve Poole brought grassroots empathy to the board.
“Steve has always focused on what is in the best interests of New Zealand dairy farmers.
“He showed real commitment to the share simplification process and was able to conduct complex discussions in a simple farmer-friendly manner with his fellow shareholders.”
Poole and his wife Maria are dairy farmers in Kapuni, Taranaki, milking 800 cows on 210ha. Prior to joining the LIC board in June 2010 he had a long association with LIC as a customer, shareholder, employee and shareholder representative. He was an AB technician for 20 years and a member of LIC’s shareholder council for two years (2008-2010).
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.
Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.
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