Government appoints three new directors to Pāmu board
The Government has appointed three new members to the board of state farmer Landcorp Farming Ltd, trading as Pāmu.
More than 130 of Australasia's leading agribusiness professionals will visit two farms in Pirinoa, South Wairarapa, next week.
The visit, on Wednesday, March 23, is part of the annual Platinum Primary Producers (PPP) 'Capital Connections; winds of change' Conference.
The delegation, which includes well-known industry leaders and commentators such as Steven Carden, CEO of Landcorp Farming Ltd, Prof. Jacqueline Rowarth from the University of Waikato, Malborough farmer, Doug Avery, and James Parsons, chairman of Beef + Lamb NZ, will spend time at the Warren family's Romney stud, Turanganui, and the Weatherstone family's dairy farm, Rotopai.
The field trip concludes a three day event in Wellington discussing the 'winds of change' currently sweeping across the farming landscapes of New Zealand and Australasia. A key component of the Wairarapa visit will be a fundraising event for Pirinoa rural school, which is hoping to upgrade its heat pumps and wifi system.
PPP chairman and local Wairarapa farmer, Shane McManaway, says the PPP Group, which comprises the most influential, positive and innovative agribusiness professionals in Australasia, is always committed to helping rural communities.
"We are visiting two spectacular farms in the tight knit, rural community of Pirinoa. Farms, which I am proud to say, demonstrate farming practices at their absolute best. And I can't think of a better way to show our appreciation than to support the local community hub – Pirinoa School."
The group hopes to raise between $5000 and $10,000 for the school, which will be catering and serving lunch for the delegates.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.

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