Farmers encouraged to join DairyNZ's board

DairyNZ Board chair Jim van der Poel says it is a challenging but rewarding and important time to be part of the sector and its leadership.

“With exceptionally strong milk prices, dairy continues to play a critical role in New Zealand’s prosperity and overall wellbeing,” says van der Poel.

“At the same time, farmers are also facing a number of challenges including rising costs, staff shortages and challenging regulations.

“Our farmers are currently the most sustainable milk producers in the world but also know that to maintain that position they will need to continue to evolve.”

Van der Poel says DairyNZ is in a unique position to support dairy farmers with extension and research, and to advocate on behalf of farmers to influence future policy decisions.

“DairyNZ’s Board and staff are passionate about creating a better future for dairy farmers, and we’re looking for farmer candidates who share this focus to join our board.”

The DairyNZ Board oversees the organisation’s strategy and focuses on engaging and partnering with farmers and building trust and pride in dairy farming.

Van der Poel says ideally candidates would have a strong understanding of farm systems, research, policy and advocacy. Strong commercial, governance and financial skills would also be an advantage, along with good networks in the dairy sector.

Two farmer director positions are open for nomination on the board.

DairyNZ’s elected directors hold office for three years. This year, directors Elaine Cook and Tracy Brown are retiring by rotation. Both are standing for re-election.

DairyNZ is also inviting applications from farmers for one position on the Directors’ Remuneration Committee, which independently sets the directors’ fees.

Both the board and the directors’ remuneration roles are open to current levy-paying dairy farmers. Two current levy payers must nominate each candidate.

Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer by 12noon on Monday, September 5, 2022. If an election is required, farmer voting will take place during September and October, with the successful candidates announced at DairyNZ’s Annual General Meeting on October 18 in Invercargill.