MSA triumph
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first foray into fertiliser co-operative governance.
Greg Campbell has taken over from long-serving CEO Rodney Green as head of the billion-dollar farmers' co-operative, Ravensdown.
Campbell was previously CEO of Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation and brings international experience as a chief executive. He is in on the boards of a number of companies and has previously been on the board of PGG Wrightson.
"The agricultural sector is the pillar of New Zealand's economic prosperity and it's important we manage our soil, water and air in a sustainable manner," Campbell says.
"Carefully-managed pasture-based production is the best way to meet our output targets while taking care of the environment," he says.
He says the co-operative structure of Ravensdown appeals to him, as the company is not driven by share price or short-term focus.
"Essentially the profits are returned to our owners and customers. We are able to invest in products and services that will underpin the company, our owners' businesses and the future of New Zealand agriculture."
The Chairman of Ravensdown, Bill McLeod says: "Greg is someone who will continue the innovative direction Ravensdown has taken for some years while maintaining the culture we have with customers, staff and suppliers."
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.

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