Fonterra slashes forecast milk price, again
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Two former Fonterra directors are seeking a reduction in the size of the co-op board.
Greg Gent, a former deputy chairman and Colin Armer, a former director and one of Fonterra's single largest farmer supplier, have put forward a notice of proposal to the co-op's agm in Waitoa next month.
They want shareholder support for a reduction of board members from 13 to nine.
If it is successful their proposal requires the Shareholders Council to conduct an election for all six elected directors in March 2016.
However, the proposal requires 50% support from the Shareholders Council and at least 75% of shareholder votes in favour.
"It's a big hurdle but we've made sure that there are plenty of mechanisms for shareholders to discuss the proposition and its pros and cons before casting their votes," Gent says.
"We all want our cooperative to be more globally competitive and successful with a clear strategy to achieve that. Our farming businesses and livelihoods depend on that.
"We believe that a smaller board is essential to improve the governance and performance of the cooperative. Fonterra has performed well below the expectations the farmers who voted to form it had at the time.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…