2024/25 Dairy Statistics: NZ dairy farmers boost production with fewer cows
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.
Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) has appointed Paul Littlefair as its chief information officer.
Littlefair, who has been acting in the role since September, has previously held senior IT roles at KiwiBank, ASB Bank and the Colonial Group and was also chief information officer for the Bank of South Pacific for a time.
Chief executive Wayne McNee says Littlefair's extensive experience and leadership skills will be hugely valuable to LIC and its farmer shareholders.
"LIC is currently in the midst of a significant technology transformation programme worth more than $40 million. This work aims to provide the infrastructure and foundations that will not only support growth in the business, but enable the delivery of new innovations that add more value on-farm.
"Paul's skills, experience and strong leadership qualities will be instrumental in its success."
Littlefair starts in the role immediately, reporting to the chief executive.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.