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 farmers are picking up the tab of about 30 fellow shareholders forced to dry off due to damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Some Hawke's Bay farms remain inaccessible by mik tankers, brining their 2022-23 season to an end months earlier than normal.
The co-operative has agreed to pay these farmers for loss of income under its 'force majeure' terms, based on the average of the past three year's milk production.
Fonterra Co-operative Council chairman John Stevenson told Rural News that he is really proud of how the co-op has supported affected members.
"Fonterra has covered farmers' milk that was unable to be picked up, including to continue to support those who have had to dry off due to no tanker access," he says. "This is a unique benefit of being part of the co-operative."
Stevenson, who was in Napier last week, met some of the affected farmers.
"I was blown away by the resilience shown by farmers I met who had been cut off by the storm. Some have significant infrastructure damage to farms.
"Many co-op members, including councillors, have also provided support to their fellow co-op members, both during the weather events themselves and afterwards, including by sending generators, feed, and making donations of rewards dollars via Fonterra Farm Source.
"I have not heard from one farmer shareholder who does not support the co-op covering for lost milk."
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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