Pig farmers respond to new welfare standards
Pig farmers are cautiously welcoming new animal welfare standards announced by the Government last week.
Brent Kleiss has been appointed as the new chief executive of NZPork, the statutory industry body working to support New Zealand’s commercial pig farmers.
Kleiss joined NZPork as policy manager in July 2021, bringing widespread experience in the primary sector to the role.
Prior to his work with NZPork, Kleiss spent 13 years working for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), most recently as principal advisor – stakeholder and industry engagement for public affairs.
He also acted as chief quarantine officer at MPI for five years.
NZPork chairman Eric Roy says Kleiss is already a familiar face for many in the pork industry and the wider primary sector.
“Since joining NZPork, Brent has impressed us with his skills and strategi insight in a range of areas,” says Roy.
“We look forward to him making a valuable contribution to NZPork, especially as we face significant regulatory reform associated with farrowing crates and mating stalls and the environment.”
Kleiss says he is looking forward to meeting more members of the pork sector.
“I’ve already met a number of our farmers and it’s clear to me how much they care about their animals, their products and their communities. I’m also proud of the opportunity to lead the great team at NZPork,” he says.
Kleiss officially takes on the CEO role on 2 May.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political divide for former Prime Minister Jim Bolger who passed away, aged 90.
The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.
Agri advisor Perrin Ag says its graduate recruitment programme continues to bring new talent into the agricultural sector.
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
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