Ashburton Farmer Matthew Paton Elected to Ruralco Board
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
South Island rural service trader Ruralco says its chairman Alister Body has signalled his intention to step down from his role and pursue broader agribusiness interests.
Body chaired the Ruralco board for the past two years and served as a director since 2011.
Body has agreed to continue to support the business until June 30 when he will retire from the board.
The Ruralco board has appointed Jessie Chan-Dorman as chair-elect. She will be the first female chair of the board.
Ruralco says Body will aid in her succession.
The co-op says during his tenure Body initiated and led a full governance review leading to an overhaul of the board function, rebrand of the business, reorganisation of senior management and a return to profitability. He also chaired the joint venture with Ravensdown that saw the creation of the Ruralco brand.
“The Ruralco board acknowledges the significant contribution Alister has made over eight years of service and his infectious passion for Ruralco and the members it serves.”
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.