Sheep & Beef Farm Conversion to Forestry Slows, Risk Remains
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
Polson runs Waipuna Farms, his family’s sheep and beef farming business, which has 25,000 stock across three properties in the Whanganui region.
After ten years of corporate and general management roles in the New Zealand agribusiness sector, he returned to the grassroots farming of his family farm.
“I am looking forward to developing my governance skills through the Associate Director role and bringing my experience to add value at a national level through our key industry body, as we navigate to grow and sustain a profitable future for our sector,” says Polson.
B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says Polson will make a welcome addition to the team.
“We had a strong response to our call for applications to this fixed-term role and were really impressed by the calibre of young leaders looking to step up and help in the governance of our sector,” says Acland.
“Mark will bring a mix of hands-on farming experience along with a strong background in agricommerce,” she says. “His collaborative leadership and strategic thinking skills, coupled with a passion to further our rural communities, will be a great addition to the B+LNZ Board and we hope this experience will help him further his ambitions to serve our sector.”
Polson joins a board of six farmer-elected directors, two meat industry-appointed directors and one independent director.
