MSA triumph
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first foray into fertiliser co-operative governance.
Ravensdown has appointed Garry Diack as its new chief executive, replacing Greg Campbell who has held the position at the farmer-owned co-operative for the past eight years.
Diack joins Ravensdown from his position as chief executive and executive director of Tait Communications in July.
He has over 30 years' experience of improving corporate performance, effective governance and driving growth.
Ravensdown chair John Henderson said Diack's experience across many industries, his rural connections and his grounded-yet-innovative approach, made him a compelling proposition for the board.
"The board is excited that its search for someone that offers strategic continuity and deliberate evolution has been successful.
"There's no doubt that our purpose of enabling smarter farming for a better New Zealand has never been more important and Garry is passionate about that direction."
A firm believer in the power of co-operative business models, Christchurch-based Diack is looking forward to helping take Ravensdown forward in a changing landscape.
"Large parts of my career have been devoted to helping harness the power of New Zealand agriculture to punch above its weight in domestic and international markets.
"I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity of advising the likes of CRT, Silver Fern Farms and the predecessors to Fonterra. Through these experiences and a directorship of the Ashburton Trading Society, I have witnessed Ravensdown forge true value-based relationships with its farmers and I am privileged to be given the opportunity to play my part in the challenges of tomorrow's farming," said Diack.
"I know that Ravensdown has invested in tools and technology that have potential to be win-wins for the environment and farm profitability," he says.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
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OPINION: If David Seymour's much-trumpeted Ministry for Regulation wants a serious job they need look no further than reviewing the…