Conferences – the goal is always progress
OPINION: Farmers, rural professionals and scientists were together last month in Hamilton, discussing hot topics for the land-based primary sector at the New Zealand Grassland Association (NZGA) conference.
Feds dairy section chair Richard McIntyre was voted in by farmers at DairyNZ’s annual meeting in Christchurch yesterday. He joins former Feds dairy chair Chris Lewis, who was voted in two years ago.
McIntyre replaces Jim van der Poel, who stepped down as DairyNZ chair and a board member at the AGM. Sitting director Jacqueline Rowarth was re-elected for another three-year term.
DairyNZ chair-elect, Tracy Brown congratulated McIntyre and Rowarth.
“I am excited to have Jacqueline and Richard on the Board and to work alongside them. They are committed dairy leaders who will play an important role in supporting the progress of DairyNZ and dairy farming in New Zealand,” Brown says.
“Thank you to all who put their name forward, and those who voted and took the time to have their say in the future of our industry.”
Brown says a highlight of the AGM was guest speaker Professor Grant Edwards, Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University.
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“We heard about how Lincoln University’s science and demonstration supports the dairy sector, and how the dairy sector supports New Zealand,” she says.
“Jim (van der Poel) gave a summary of the past year and acknowledged that when faced with a relentless series of challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of the good. Those good things include DairyNZ’s history of investing in research, extension, resources and solutions as they support our on-farm decision making.
“To ensure financial sustainability, he shared that DairyNZ will consult on lifting the farmer levy investment, with that consultation occurring early next year with levy-payers. This was signalled early for transparency.”
The AGM highlighted key areas where DairyNZ will continue to deliver value for levy-payers, including through the reducing GHG emissions programme, providing credible evidence to support farm profitability, along with stepping up New Zealand’s rate of genetic gain.
All resolutions were approved, including having David Hunt officially ratified as an independent director, while it was announced that Ellen Barlett will fill the vacancy on the directors’ remuneration committee for a 12-month term given no formal nominations.
The evening ended with DairyNZ and others across the sector and country formally thanking van der Poel for a quarter century of leadership within both DairyNZ, and the wider dairy sector. A video tribute was played which included messages from Sir Dryden Spring, Dame Jacinda Ardern and Barbara Kuriger.
“We wanted to acknowledge Jim’s tremendous contribution to the sector on behalf of the dairy farmers of New Zealand,” says Brown.
“He has been involved in supporting the sector through the Mycoplasma bovis biosecurity incursion, changes in Government and environmental policy change. Despite the challenges, Jim showed time and time again he was a strong leader for dairy and advocated for the best outcomes for farmers.”
Van der Poel says that he was grateful for the part he has played in the sector over the years.
“It has been my privilege to not only lead within our sector, but to serve beside fellow dairy farmers.
“Together I feel we have always done what is right rather than what is easy and that is why we continue to be a world-leading dairy nation and a huge contributor to the wellbeing of this country.”
DairyNZ’s board of directors is made up of five farmer-elected and three independent directors.
