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

Helping our youth to be resilient

OPINION: The Rural Support Trust ran a dinner and debate at the National Fieldays last month. In tables of 10, over 540 people were wined and dined, including the Prime Minister, supported by ministers from around the country.

Featured

LIC ends year with $30.6m profit

Herd improvement company LIC has ended the 2024-25 financial year in a strong position - debt-free and almost quadrupling its net profit.

National

Machinery & Products

Fliegl offers effluent solutions

Founded in Germany as recently as 1977, today, the Fliegl Group employs more than 1100 workers, offering an expansive range…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

It's all about economics

OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter