Canterbury farmer Sean Molloy joins New Zealand Pork board
Following a recent director election, Canterbury farmer Sean Molloy has been appointed to the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.
Owen Symmans has been appointed the new chief executive officer of New Zealand Pork Industry Board (NZPork). He replaces Sam McIvor.
Symmans joins NZPork from the Seafood Industry Training Organisation, where he repositioned the business to meet the industry's training needs, says NZPork chairman Ian Cater.
"As former chief executive officer to the NZ Seafood Industry Council Ltd, Owen boosted the public profile of the seafood industry and successfully managed a number of challenging policy issues," says Carter.
"NZPork is thrilled to bring Owen's skills and experience to the pork industry, along with his excellent working knowledge of primary production and the food, science, local government and training sectors."
Carter also paid tribute to Sam McIvor, saying "Sam has guided the pork industry through difficult times, including the adoption of world-leading animal welfare standards and the ongoing campaign to keep our animals safe from Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)."
"Modern pig farming requires high levels of technical and practical farming skills, along with the dedication and understanding to compete in a highly aggressive local market. Owen's strategic leadership skills and his wide experience in the food-producing primary sector will place NZPork in a strong position as we seek to continue to meet industry and government objectives for our sector," Carter says.
Symmans takes up his new position on 23 April.
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.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.

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