SFF joins the slaughter
Meat processor and exporter Silver Fern Farms Ltd has joined fellow South Island-based meat company Alliance Group in reporting a big loss for the past year.
Silver Fern Farms chief executive Simon Limmer has signed off after six years at the helm of the meat processor and exporter optimistic about the future of New Zealand red meat.
"Current conditions provide a clear reminder that we are still exposed to global cycles and other challenges," he told suppliers in his final newsletter. "However, I am optimistic that our strategy is the right one and we have the momentum and capability to ensure a prosperous future."
Limmer said he'd spent his final week at the company in Shanghai, alongside incoming chief executive Dan Boulton.
"This is a reminder of the opportunities and challenges that incredible markets such as China present to us," he told suppliers. "We will need to earn the rewards on offer by being better connected, agile and creative if we are to deliver to the expectations of a discerning customer who is spoiled for choice."
Limmer claims that the 'nature positive promise' has positioned the Silver Fern Farms brand as a global leader, catching the attention of consumers around the world. However, he concedes this also imposes an ongoing expectation of continuous improvement and integrity beyond reproach.
"We will always be confronted by an ever-changing set of uncontrollable," Limmer added. "Economics, market trends, trade access, logistics, or the weather, all continue to throw curve balls at us, without wanting to reference a regulatory environment which is uncertain and imposing at best."
Limmer says the NZ red meat has enjoyed some tailwinds over the past few years.
"But the volatility remains and challenges still lie ahead as current conditions remind us."
Limmer told suppliers that incoming chief executive Dan Boulton will keep SFF progressing.
"His knowledge of our industry and determination to drive the business forward is clear."
Limmer paid tribute to both the farmer suppliers and workers at SFF saying the greatest privilege in his job was to work alongside some incredibly passionate and progressive people.
"New Zealand farming systems are the best in the world and continue to respond to those ongoing challenges, setting the reference for others," he added. "Consumers will always place real value on the goodness we create from the farms the world needs."
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…