fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 16 June 2015 11:03

Full of surprises

Written by 
Ian Proudfoot, KPMG. Ian Proudfoot, KPMG.

KPMG’S Ian Proudfoot says the biggest surprise for him when compiling the latest Agribusiness Agenda was the discussion on what the future dairy industry might look like. 

He didn’t expect to have the level of conversation fundamentally about how much milk Fonterra will end up collecting.

“It’s a conversation that has definitely come up in the last 12 months and I think it’s from seeing well-capitalised companies come into the industry with the potential to change the industry,” Proudfoot told Rural News. 

“It comes from real concerns about whether Fonterra is adding value, and the general answer is that there is a lot more they could be doing.” 

Proudfoot says the other surprise for him was seeing broadband climb the list to second equal – indicating it is a core issue for the sector.

“We can see the productivity opportunities in technology, its environmental potential and what it can do to strengthen our communities. If we can get rural broadband right, we can transform the rural environment, create new jobs and generate more wealth.” 

Proudfoot points to a growing realisation of the need to inspire young people to make a career in agriculture and to help them understand the sector. 

More like this

Risky business

OPINION: In the same way that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, economists sometimes get it right.

Bagrie bags banks

OPINION: Noted economist and self-promoter Cameron Bagrie took one look at KPMG's recently released Financial Institutions Performance Survey on banks and zeroes in one key number that suggests banks are so risk averse in this country that they are probably stifling growth and innovation.

Featured

A Year of Delivery for Fonterra

Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.

Editorial: Common Sense Prevails

OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.

Miriam Lauridsen on Farm Health and Safety Culture

When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.

National

Machinery & Products

Claas Balers Turn 30

Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years…