National Pest Management Plan for TB seeks feedback
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
A second Federated Farmers executive has been elected to the DairyNZ board.
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.
“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.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.