Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Rural retailer RD1 has acquired Ruawai Farm Supplies, Northland. The acquisition takes the RD1 store network to 65 stores nationwide.
Fully owned by Fonterra, RD1 stores are stocked with farming essentials at everyday low prices, with a special focus on dairy. RD1 Ruawai will also carry a range of home and backyard products to cater for the wider community.
RD1 general manager Nick Berry sees the move as very positive for farmers in the area as well as the local community. "Taking over this store ensures that RD1 can continue to support farmers with their business requirements.
"There are approximately 73 Fonterra suppliers in the area, so the acquisition supports RD1's current strategy to have services available to all Fonterra farmers," he says.
"RD1 will be employing the existing Ruawai Farm Supplies staff to ensure they are given the opportunity to stay in the community and their chosen field."
Shanelle Wray has been appointed store manager of the new RD1 store. Currently a team leader at RD1 Whangarei, Wray has been with RD1 for two years and looks forward to starting in her new position from February 20.
Ruawai Farm Supplies will cease trading on February 28, 2012. It will re-open as RD1 on Thursday, March 1.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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