Nichol is new PGW chair
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.
PGG Wrightson clients will again have the opportunity of funding the community organisation of their choice through the annual Cash for Communities initiative which started last week and runs until May 31.
The programme will allocate $2/tonne of Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser purchased and $2 for every $500 spent on selected agri-chemical or seed products to deserving community organisations. Customers have the option of nominating their local school, St John, IHC or Rescue Helicopter for funding.
Stephen Guerin, PGG Wrightson general manager rural supplies, says Cash for Communities represented a joint initiative between PGG Wrightson and a number of its committed suppliers who backed the idea of giving something directly back to the communities they served.
Last year the initiative put more than $80,000 into the hands of almost 140 rural schools, St John services, the IHC and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.
Guerin says PGG Wrightson would also continue its focused efforts on providing technical expertise to assist clients with their annual cropping planning through its Autumn land production programme, geared to ensuring that farmers and growers were using the right products at the right time for optimum pasture performance and results.
"The PGG Wrightson team is dedicated to providing quality forage and agronomic solutions that fit into our clients' farming business."
Clients can register and nominate their cause in-store or at www.pggwrightson.co.nz.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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