Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
Fonterra has appointed a new director.
Simon Israel replaces appointed director Ralph Waters, who has retired. Israel, a Singaporean, has exceptional governance, consumer and wider Asian business experience.
He is based in Singapore and has worked in Asia for many years. He has significant business credentials in Asia and in consumer and investment businesses.
Israel will bring to the board invaluable knowledge and insights as Fonterra pursues its business strategy, particularly with its emphasis on emerging markets, says Fonterra chairman John Wilson.
Israel is currently chairman of Singapore Telecommunications and a director of Capitaland, one of Asia's largest real estate companies with core markets in Singapore and China. He was an executive director at Temasek Holdings for six years, and from 2010-2011 was executive director and president.
Wilson paid tribute to Waters.
"During his six and half years on the Fonterra board, Ralph made a very significant contribution to the cooperative.
"Ralph had agreed to remain on the Fonterra Board through the implementation of Trading Among Farmers to ensure stability, despite his other significant commitments, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for that.
"His vast experience as both a chief executive and director meant he brought valuable experience and knowledge to our board. "
Waters will be stepping down immediately. Israel will join the board from May 1.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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