Cameron Henderson Reappointed Unopposed as DairyNZ Deputy Chair
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums start this week with dairy’s future and opportunities heading the agenda.
The forum’s theme is ‘Future perspectives’ – local and global impact.
DairyNZ says speakers will explain developments in New Zealand and overseas, how they may impact local farmers and how farmers can prepare with confidence.
Each year the DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums alternate between a national event and regional events; six forums will be held NZ-wide for the next six weeks. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor will speak at two of the six forums – Timaru (by video-conference) and Westport. The Timaru event is the first one, on April 17.
Keynote speakers will vary with locality. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones will speak at the Whangarei forum.
Other keynote speakers are Massey University professor of farm and agribusiness management professor Nicola Shadbolt, NZ special agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen, DairyNZ principal economist Graeme Doole and NZX Ltd head of analytics Julia Jones.
Other speakers at specific events include:
• Jamie Fitzgerald, adventurer and member of the Institute of Directors will tell stories of bridging the gap between strategy, leadership and teams.
• Robotics Plus Ltd chief executive Dr Matt Glenn will speak about developing robotic and automation solutions for global agriculture and horticulture.
Workshops and science snapshots will show the latest R&D to help farmers improve how they farm.
Topics include finding new traits to improve cow genetic merit for fertility, plantain-based pastures for production and environmental benefits, and ‘tightening up our belch’: how we’ll reduce methane emissions.
The forums will have information tailored for each region.
They are free for levy-paying farmers and their staff.
Register at dairynz.co.nz/farmersforum
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
Almond hulls sourced from Australian orchards may have the potential to help New Zealand cows reduce emissions, boost milk yield and lower input costs.
Striking a balance between meeting the needs of industry to speed up approval time for products but on the other hand ensuring that risks are properly assessed.
Surprised, humbled and quite thrilled. That’s the reaction of James Allen, one of the founding partners and now chief executive of AgFirst, on being made a life member of the Institute of Rural Professionals.

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