Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
Federated Farmers has appointed Terry Copeland as its new chief executive.
Copeland, 50, chief executive of NZ Young Farmers since 2013, replaces Graham Smith in July.
Copeland is looking forward to a new challenge.
"I feel the time is right to take the step up to Federated Farmers during a period when the wider industry needs renewed leadership," he said.
Federated Farmers’ president Katie Milne described Copeland as a strategic thinker who understands young people.
"Terry’s done an amazing job lifting the profile of NZ Young Farmers, building its membership base and increasing member participation," she said.
"We need to get more young farmers engaged in the important work our organisation does. We’re confident Terry can help do that."
Copeland says many of our NZ Young Farmers members join Federated Farmers when they ‘age out’.
“It’s a natural progression. So the irony of my latest career move isn’t lost on me," he says.
NZ Young Farmers Board chairman Jason Te Brake says Copeland’s departure will be a big loss.
"Terry has helped transform our organisation and put it on a more sustainable footing," he says.
"He also cares deeply about the wellbeing of members and has been a passionate advocate of tackling suicide in rural communities."
NZ Young Farmers expects to begin advertising for a new chief executive next month.
Prior to joining NZ Young Farmers Copeland had more than 20 years’ experience in the wine industry. He’s also an international wine judge.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.