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.
Farmer co-op LIC will hold meetings nationally next month to brief shareholders on its ambitious growth strategy.
The update will include a timeframe for possible capital requirement to deliver on the strategy; the co-op aims to achieve $1 billion in revenue by 2025.
LIC chairman Murray King says the co-op has a strong balance sheet to fund growth.
He ruled out any plans to list the co-op.
“We reaffirm that LIC will remain a co-operative,” he told Dairy News. “That is sacrosanct; a public listing is not on my agenda.”
King and LIC chief executive Wayne McNee will address the nine farmer meetings, allowing the board and management to meet shareholders face-to-face.
“We haven’t done a roadshow for a long time; the last one was in 2008 when genomic was launched. The business strategy is ambitious and we will give farmer shareholders an update of where we are, especially our international business plans.”
In his letter to shareholders, King said the co-op wanted “an early discussion with you, our shareholders, on the service and solutions we have in development, progress with acquisitions which fit our strategy, and funding options for LIC over the next few years”.
“There is no ‘burning issue’. However, we do want to give you this opportunity to join us in discussing the direction of your co-operative in an open session,” he told shareholders.
The roadshow will also include an update on the Minda and Farm Performance Software.
Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.
Five hunting-related shootings this year is prompting a call to review firearm safety training for licencing.
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.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.