What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair James Barron is stepping down after three years in the role.
Barron, who represents South Waikato on the council, retires by rotation this year and isn't seeking re-election.
He will hand over to a new chairman, to be elected by the 25 councillors, at Fonterra's annual meeting in early November. A new councillor for South Waikato will also be elected at the annual meeting.
Barron told Rural News that he was confident now was a good time to step down and hand over the reins to someone else.
"I'm confident now is a good time for succession to happen," he says.
"There has been a lot going on in the co-op over the last few years. Now we are in a period of relative stability and that allows me to step back and focus on other areas."
More signs of a booming kiwifruit sector.
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New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
A partnership between state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) and charity Meet the Need is putting more than quality New Zealand beef into food bank parcels this year.

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