Rewarding farmers who embrace sustainability
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
Primary Industry Minister Nathan Guy has paid a glowing tribute to outgoing DairyNZ chairman John Luxton.
Luxton is stepping down from the DairyNZ board after serving as chairman for eight years.
Addressing the industry-good organisation's annual meeting in Morrinsville today, Guy thanked Luxton for uniting the industry.
"It hasn't been an easy job at times; to make farmers realise they have to make changes to farming practices," he says.
He says under Luxton's leadership, DairyNZ has taken a lead role in improving the industry's environmental credentials.
Luxton also served as a National MP for 15 years, including nine years as a Cabinet Minister and a stint as Minister for Agriculture.
Guy says the relationship between DairyNZ and Government has been great under Luxton's leadership.
It is also important for DairyNZ to have good relationships with other primary sectors, he says.
Luxton is soon jetting off to see the Rugby World Cup in the UK.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.