End of war on farming, say farmers
Federated Farmers says changes announced to the Resource Management Act today mark the end of the war on farming.
West Coast dairy farmer Katie Milne has broken the glass ceiling to become the first woman president of Federated Farmers in its 72 year history.
She was elected to the role last week at the Federated Farmers annual meeting, fighting off a strong challenge from vice-president Anders Crofoot.
Former Feds dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard is the new vice-president.
Milne says she became involved in Federated Farmers out of “righteous anger” and frustration at seeing people who knew little about farming telling farmers what to do.
She rose through the ranks, initially serving as her region’s dairy section chair, and was then elected to the Feds national board.
She is also deputy chair of Westland Milk Products.
She and her partner Ian Whitmore farm 200 high BW Jersey cows on their 100ha (eff) property near Lake Brunner, Rotomanu, near Hokitika.
Milne has played a leading role in improving the water quality of the lake by helping initiate smart environmental practices.
She is also a member of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, is on the council of OSPRI, has a role in Worksafe as part of her Feds role and is involved in TB Free.
Milne’s rapid rise to the top is because of her open, friendly tell-it-like-it-is personal style. She is seen as a person who can connect well with Feds members and with the public.
Milne replaces William Rolleston, who stepped down after serving the mandatory three-year term.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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