Why Now Is the Time to Plan Farm Succession, Findex Says
OPINION: Succession and long-term planning are perennial topics because it is perpetually sidelined on busy farms.
Māori-owned milk processor Miraka is looking for a new chief executive following the resignation of Karl Gradon last week.
Gradon, who was appointed chief executive three years ago, is leaving for personal and family reasons.
Miraka chair Bruce Scott attrributed much of Miraka's recent growth and success during the past three years to Gradon's leadership and efforts resetting the business for future success.
"Karl Gradon has successfully navigated Miraka through a significant period of change, leading the reorganisation of the business to set Miraka up for long-term, intergenerational success, as was envisioned by our founding leaders and shareholders.
"There are many successes and wins we attribute to Karl's leadership. This includes building a strong senior leadership team, evolving from single products to optimising customer focus and our portfolio of value-added products."
Gradon says that leading Miraka has been a rewarding experience both professionally and personally.
"I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as a whānau and business. I am confident in the company's continued success.
"Our shareholders bestowed a set of values that I personally admire, and I look forward to seeing this values-based approach continue to flourish through the generations as our founders intended."
The Miraka board has begun a search for Gradon's replacement. Miraka chief operating officer, Richard Harding, is now acting as CEO.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.

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