State farmer forecasts record results
The Government’s directive for state farmer Landcorp Farming (trading as Pamu) to lifts its performance is yielding results.
State farmer Pāmu has announced two new appointments to governance roles.
Libby Tosswill has been announced as Pāmu’s associate director and an observer on its board.
Tosswill has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago and a financial markets background both in New Zealand and internationally.
Since, 2010 she and her husband Ben have been farming near Pōrangahau on Birch Hill Station, a 1,300ha sheep and farm with production forestry, 350ha of native bush, including a mainland long-tailed bat colony.
Libby joined Pāmu in time for its February board and sub-committee meetings. The team farewelled Bridget Giesen who has been in the associate director role for the past 12 months at its March meeting in Dunedin this week.
The state-owned enterprise has also announced that international food marketer Jillian Laing has been appointed to the board of Spring Sheep Milk Co, a public-private partnership jointly owned by Pāmu and SLC Group.
Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie says Laing brings expertise in marketing and sales, a global lens and connections, and commerciality in the demand generation space.
“She has been the CEO of a tech start-up and had extensive experience in global sales and marketing while she was at Fonterra,” Leslie says. “Now in her role with the World Macadamia Organisation, she is across consumer trends and customer insights globally. Jillian brings a new perspective, and we are excited to welcome her into the fold.”
Pāmu board chair Warren Parker says the company has a focus on increasing agri-sector leadership opportunities for women and Māori.
“Growing directors for the future is a great way to ensure continuity and development opportunities for the benefit of both individuals and the wider primary sector,” he says. “These sorts of initiatives provide those with governance potential and ambition, the opportunity to participate on a board.”
“It also provides boards with exposure to diverse talent, ideas, and experiences. I’d like to acknowledge respected industry leader Peter McClure’s contribution in the selection process of Jillian who will help to strengthen our appreciation of export marketing and sales skills especially into Asia.”
Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.
One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.
Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).
August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.
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