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Federated Farmers has re-elected the heads of its dairy and meat and fibre groups for another term.
Jeanette Maxwell (Meat & Fibre) and Willy Leferink (Dairy) were re-elected at the Feds' annual conference in Auckland. Both industry groups have also elected their new executives for 2012-13.
"I am honoured to be given a second year to take our Fonterra members beyond TAF. I want to ensure independents and those who supply Tatua, Synlait, Westland and Open Country Cheese are properly represented," says Leferink.
He says the dairy council appreciates the hard work invested by retiring members, especially vice-chair Robin Barkla and Kevin Robinson.
"The Dairy Council will express this separately, but our best wishes are with Michelle Riley for a full recovery."
New executive member Derek Gibson can share his positive experiences with Taranaki Regional Council while Gray Beagley offers an organic dairy farming perspective, he says.
"We have an excellent team I look forward to working with."
Leferink concluded.
Maxwell says her first year was spent listening and talking. But she plans to get meat & fibre moving this year.
"I'd like to thank my retiring executive members, my vice-chair Dugald McLean and Will Foley for their sage and accurate advice.
"I look forward to getting the input of new executive members, Richard Strowger and Rick Powdrell, on what I know will be our sector's renaissance, says Maxwell.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
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When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
Virtual fencing and herding systems supplier, Halter is welcoming a decision by the Victorian Government to allow farmers in the state to use the technology.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
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OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…
