Cast your votes, dairy farmers urged
Levy-paying dairy farmers are being reminded that they only have a few days left to vote in DairyNZ’s board of directors’ election.
DairyNZ deputy chair Jacqueline Rowarth has changed her mind and is standing for re-election.
Last month it was announced that DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel and Rowarth would step down in October. Matamata farmer Tracy Brown, a farmer-elected director since 2019, was named chair-elect.
However, Rowarth told Dairy News that she has been surprised by the number of farmers expressing their regret that she won’t be continuing in the role.
“Late last month it was announced that I would not be seeking re-election as a farmerelected director of DairyNZ following six years on the organisation’s board,” she says.
“Since that announcement was made, I have been surprised by the number of farmers who have expressed both thanks for the work that I have done, and regret that I won’t be continuing in the role.”
Rowarth points out that the issue of science understanding around the board has been foremost.
“Farmers need tools to help them improve their productivity, reduce their environmental footprint, and improve their profitability. These tools must be able to be implemented within a farm system.
“Credible scientific expertise at the board level and the ability to apply that practically to deliver better outcomes for farmers is vital.
“Nothing has changed over the years about my desire to work for dairy farmers and the primary sector.
“I’m energised to make a difference, and the fact that farmers have stated that I have a significant contribution to make has encouraged me to change the decision of last month. New information should always be evaluated.
“Credible science, research, and extension need to sit at the heart of the strategy for the primary sector and will be the key to our success as farmers. I can help with that.”
DairyNZ is inviting candidate nominations for the board. It says two positions are available on the board. All farmers who pay a levy on milksolids to the industry-good organisation can stand.
Nominations close at midday on August 9. Voting will take place between September 18 and October 17. Election results will be announced at DairyNZ’s annual meeting on October 22.
As expected, Alliance Group will close its Smithfield meat processing plant in Timaru, South Canterbury, making hundreds of workers redundant.
Michael and Cherie Berkers’ Holstein Friesian herd exemplifies how breeders can consistently develop successful cow families by seizing opportunities for improvement year after year.
A dairy quota dispute between New Zealand and Canada is heading to mandatory negotiations.
A new collaboration is underway to improve the genetic links between the New Zealand and Nordic Jersey cattle populations.
Rare Canterbury mudfish and tadpole shrimp have been discovered at an environmental restoration site at Bennetts Stream in North Canterbury which is part of a biodiversity initiative being carried out by Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Southland farmers want the Government to strip Fish & Game of their advocacy function and refocus the organisation on the management of hunting and fishing.
OPINION: Earlier this month, small Waikato milk processor Tatua reminded the country that it’s still number one when it comes…
OPINION: It was only in 2018 that the Chinese Government embarked on a mission to lift domestic milk production and…