International Day of Rural Women: Two DairyNZ Farmers’ Stories
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
DairyNZ's long-serving chairman John Luxton will step down later this year.
Chairman since 2007, Luxton was a founding director of DairyNZ, during the transition from two earlier industry organisations – Dexcel and Dairy Insight.
Luxton began as a director with Dexcel in 2003.
DairyNZ today announced that nominations open this week for farmer-elected directors. Luxton is not seeking re-election.
Nominations open on August 5 and close on August 28, with voting held from September.
Two other directors' positions are up for election, with Michael Spaans and Ben Allomes retiring by rotation, but still eligible to stand for re-election.
Returning officer Anthony Morton says nominations must be received by 12noon on Friday, August 28.
All farmers paying a levy on milksolids to DairyNZ are eligible to stand for election.
An information pack outlining criteria and nomination requirements for the positions can be obtained from the returning officer or via the websites.
"If more than the required nominations are received, elections will be carried out by postal, fax and internet voting using the STV (single transferable vote) voting method. Votes will be weighted by annual milksolids production. Voter packs will be posted on September 14 to all registered DairyNZ levy payers," Morton says.
Results will be announced at the DairyNZ annual general meeting in the Waikato on October 13.
Farmers are being encouraged to rethink how they manage waste on farm with the launch of ruralwastesorted.co.nz, a new website bringing together practical tips, real farmer experiences and resources.
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) is celebrating the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) coming into force today, bringing New Zealand wine improved access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
New Zealand’s red meat sector has welcomed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement taking effect, which removes India’s 33% tariff on New Zealand sheepmeat.
More than 95 per cent of New Zealand’s forestry and wood exports to India can now enter tariff free as the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement comes into force today.
Federated Farmers is backing Feilding High School’s call to keep Agriculture and Horticultural Science as a standalone subject in Year 11.
Food and fibre exports have returned a billion- dollar bonus to the country.

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