Positive first year for ZAG fund
As it enters its second year, Zespri says the first year of the Zespri Innovation Fund (ZAG), has been “really positive”.
Zespri chief executive Lain Jager is the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.
The prestigious agricultural communicator award was presented to Jager at Mystery Creek Fieldays last night.
The award honours those who make a significant contribution to the sector and the role they play in making New Zealand world leaders in primary production.
Jager is credited for running the best business in the primary sector, taking the kiwifruit industry from crisis to global success - now supplying 32% of global trade.
“Lain is one of those natural leaders that can take a nation with him,” says Greg Campbell, Ravensdown chief executive, “his accessibility and ability to connect with people on any level are paramount to his success. The journey Zespri has been on from the PSA outbreak to today is testament to that.”
Jager receives $2500 cash prize from Ravensdown alongside the prestigious pounamu trophy.
In its 31st year, the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award remains the premier award for agricultural communicators and is run by New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators.
“Communicating the opportunities and challenges facing the agri-sector has never been more important. The industry is full of talented, insightful and enthusiastic individuals who connect with people in a variety of ways. This award is about celebrating all those champions as well as acknowledging the efforts of one individual,” says Campbell.
"That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to support the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators with this award.”
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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