Fonterra’s Pierre Venter named next vice chancellor of Massey University
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Fonterra says there is a genuine understanding among farmer shareholders about the global demand for sustainably produced dairy.
The co-operative’s group director Farm Source, Richard Allen, says Fonterra’s competitors in the US and Europe are bolstering their environmental credentials.
He was commenting on the launch of details of how the co-op will pay farmers for producing sustainable, high quality milk as part of the ‘co-operative difference’ framework.
From June 1, 2021, up to 10 cents of each farm’s milk payment will be determined by the farm’s sustainability credentials and milk quality.
The 10c/kgMS ‘co-operative difference’ payment is made up of two parts: 7c/kgMS for achievements under environment, co-op & prosperity, animals, and people & community focus areas.
Once these targets are achieved, another 3c/kgMS will be awarded to farmers who meet the ‘excellence’ standard under the milk quality framework.
Allen says the payment is another way Fonterra can recognise farmers.
“We want to reward the on-farm efforts that demonstrate our co-op’s care for the environment, animals, people and communities. It’s these actions which help ensure we’re the dairy company of choice for customers around the world and for New Zealand dairy farmers, for generations to come,” says Allen.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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