25 years on - where are they now?
To celebrate 25 years of the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, Ravensdown caught up with past recipients to see where their careers have taken them, and what the future holds for the industry.
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."
The Primary Production Select Committee is calling for submissions on the Valuers Bill currently before Parliament.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that commercial fruit and vegetable growers are getting ahead of freshwater farm plan regulations through its Growing Change project.
Lucidome Bio, a New Zealand agricultural biotech company was recently selected as one of fourteen global finalists to pitch at the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation USA event in Boston.
Tractor manufacturer and distributor Case IH has announced a new partnership with Meet the Need, the grassroots, farmer-led charity working to tackle food insecurity across New Zealand one meal at a time.
The DairyNZ Farmers Forum is back with three events - in Waikato, Canterbury and Southland.
To celebrate 25 years of the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, Ravensdown caught up with past recipients to see where their careers have taken them, and what the future holds for the industry.