Tuesday, 23 July 2024 08:55

Rowarth changes her mind, is standing for re-election

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
DairyNZ deputy chair Jacqueline Rowarth says farmer sentiment encouraged her to change the decision of last month. DairyNZ deputy chair Jacqueline Rowarth says farmer sentiment encouraged her to change the decision of last month.

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.

More like this

Gut feeling or common sense

OPINION: Land use change is to the fore (again) because of headlines indicating the potential for growing rice, expansion of dairying in some regions, and ongoing concerns about carbon farming.

DairyNZ plantain trials cut nitrate leaching by 26%

DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Tough times

OPINION: Dairy industry players are also falling by the wayside as the economic downturn bites around the country.

MSA triumph

OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter