$10/kgMS milk price tipped for strong 2025/26 season start
The 2025-26 season is set to start on a high and a $10/kgMS opening forecast milk price isn't being ruled out.
ASB general manager rural Mark Heer has been appointed to the Dairy Women's Network board of trustees.
Heer has a strong background in the not-for-profit and commercial sectors, particularly in rural and corporate finance where he has worked with rural business owners, investors and farmers in a number of senior roles.
He currently holds the position of general manager rural at ASB and is an independent director at Arboline Products.
Heer says he is delighted to join the Network and greatly admires its work to support and inspire New Zealand women to succeed in the business of dairying
"I've dedicated my own working career to the rural sector and look forward to this opportunity to contribute to the work of this vibrant organisation," Heer says.
"There is no question the Dairy Women's Network has an important role to play in acknowledging and reinforcing the key role women play in the success of the dairy industry.
"The industry as a whole is a great role model for others, in demonstrating true equity between the male and female partners in the business."
Heer says he believes the Dairy Women's Network has achieved a great deal for the farming industry, particularly in developing the financial literacy of women in dairying to maximise the farm's potential.
"Dairy Women's Network's ambition to create global leaders in dairy is also inspiring. Achieving those goals will go a long way toward benefitting our dairy industry and the New Zealand economy," he says.
Dairy Women's Network chair Justine Kidd said Heer has had an association with the network for more than three years and demonstrates a real affinity and passion for our membership and goals. As such, the trust board is excited about the contribution he will make.
"Mark has an enormous empathy for our work and our members. He has a very creative and insightful way of thinking and this combined with his extensive agribusiness and corporate experience will add huge value for our members."
Kidd says the Dairy Women's Network is strengthening and growing its board and will announce additional appointments in coming months.
Other Dairy Women's Network trustees include: Justine Kidd (Chair), Cathy Brown, Chris Stevens, Alison Gibb, Donna Smit and Pamela Story.
Heer replaces outgoing trustee, Hilary Webber.
Australian dairy farmers supplying Fonterra are getting an opening weighted average milk price of A$8.60/kgMS for the new season or around NZ$9.26/kgMS - NZ74c less than New Zealand suppliers, based on the current exchange rate.
Taranaki veterinarian Dr Rob Mills is the new president of New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).
Input costs can make or break a season for farmers and electricity is one of the largest expenses.
Zespri says global sales for the 2024-25 season topped $5 billion on the back of strong demand and market returns.
Massey University is returning to the Fieldays with a future-focused, solution-driven theme, showcasing research that delivers practical advancements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability and longevity.
Newly appointed National Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos says his team is ready, excited and looking forward to delivering the four-day event next month.
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