increase font size
Jim van der Poel.
Waikato dairy farmer Jim van der Poel has been elected the new chairman of industry good body, DairyNZ.
He replaces Michael Spaans, who passed away earlier this week.
Van der Poel says Michael was a skilled, dedicated and passionate chair for DairyNZ and he plans to continue the vision established for DairyNZ and dairy farmers.
“While I step into this position under sad circumstances, as a board we will continue Michael’s good work – his influence will continue as we develop plans for the future of our industry.”
Van der Poel is keen the industry moves ahead under the new industry strategy, Dairy Tomorrow, which was launched this week.
“We are looking toward a more collaborative future and we are starting afresh with an updated industry strategy to guide us forward,” he says.
“As a board, we will be closely following progress toward our commitments to ensure New Zealand dairy farming has a sustainable future, while retaining competitive and resilient businesses.”
Van der Poel is a dairy farmer from Ngahinapouri and has farming interests in the Waikato, Southland, Canterbury and the US. He is a former director for Fonterra and New Zealand Co-operative Dairies Ltd.
Acting chair Barry Harris says van der poel is a strong advocate for dairy farmers and the sector’s future.
“Jim is experienced as a dairy farmer and in governance for our sector. He is particularly keen to ensure dairy farmers continue to be competitive and responsible as we address the current challenges around sustainability, securing a skilled workforce and continuing to produce quality products for the world.”
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
OPINION: The stats speak for themselves.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.
