Ospri brings Bovine TB testing in-house
The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.
Southland farmer and director Tony Cleland has been named OSPRI New Zealand’s new chair.
Cleland takes over the role this month from long-standing board member and interim chair Fenton Wilson.
Wilson steps down from the board after 10 years of service, which has seen him most recently hold the role of interim chair after the resignation of Dr Paul Reynolds last year.
OSPRI chief executive Sam McIvor says the organisation has been fortunate to have had the benefit of Mr Wilson’s knowledge and experience, while transitioning to a new board chair.
"I speak for all farmers and the funders of OSPRI when I say we owe a significant debt of gratitude to Fenton.
"He has made a substantial contribution to the development of the work of OSPRI for more than a decade.
"He’s been fiercely committed to the value of TB freedom for New Zealand and brought a unique knowledge set as a farmer but also as a regional council chair."
Cleland is a well-known figure in New Zealand’s primary sector, as he and his wife have farming and wine industry businesses. Amongst his governance experience, Cleland was a board member of FMG Insurance for 16 years and chair for six years.
"We’re really pleased to have someone with the industry knowledge and respect that Tony has, as our new chair," McIvor says.
"He brings grassroots farmer knowledge and significant governance experience, both critical for OSPRI’s success."
Many farmers around the country are taking advantage of the high dairy payout to get maximum production out of their cows.
In 2015, the signing of a joint venture between St Peter's School, Cambridge, and Lincoln University saw the start of an exciting new chapter for Owl Farm as the first demonstration dairy farm in the North Island. Ten years on, the joint venture is still going strong.
Sheep milk processor Maui Milk is on track to record average ewe production of 500 litres by 2030, says outgoing chief executive Greg Hamill.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is calling for cross-party consensus on the country's overarching environmental goals.
Changes to New Zealand’s postal service has left rural communities disappointed.
Alliance is urging its farmer-shareholders to have their say on the proposed $250 million strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats Group.
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