Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says he is unhappy about Fonterra coming third in the payout stakes among other New Zealand processors.
Fonterra was beaten by Tatua and Westland Milk in the 2014-15 season.
Wilson told Fonterra's annual meeting yesterday that he was "a reasonably competitive person".
"And while there are some exceptional achievements within your co-op over the past year, the reality is we did come third in the co-op payout stakes, and on the odd occasion we did not do a good enough job of communicating a clear message to you," he says.
"I can assure you that I don't like this any more than you do. Your co-op is in good shape, with investments delivering increased value for your milk faster, and solutions being provided more than ever, to you and me as farmers.
"But we still have work to do before we achieve the high expectations we all have for our co-op."
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
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.
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