Ravensdown Elects Montgomery, Acland to Board
Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.
Former Federated Farmers national president Bruce Wills has been elected as the new chair of fertiliser co-operative Ravensdown.
Current chair, John Henderson will conclude his term on May 31, after 8 years in the role and 18 years on the board. Wills was voted in as a Ravensdown director in 2015 and has been working closely with Henderson during the past year.
Wills says he is excited about the co-operative's future, which is focusing on improving farmers' and growers' environmental and productive performance.
"I am passionate about Ravensdown's role as nutrient leaders in the areas of science, supply and solutions for an ag sector striving for more sustainable ways forward."
Wills is the current chair of the Primary Industries Training Organisation, the QEII National Trust, Apiculture NZ and the deer industry primary-growth partnership. He was awarded the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit last year for services to agriculture and the environment.
Wills has thanked Henderson for his work at the fertiliser co-op, describing him as a stalwart leader in the sector.
Henderson had been scheduled to retire from the board last September but was asked to continue on for a further 12 months to provide continuity with new chief executive Garry Diack taking the helm.
He says he is particularly proud of Ravensdown's focus on the science and technology behind its nutrient expertise.
"In my time as chair the issues confronting the co-operative, its farmers and growers have changed dramatically," Henderson says. "Our team is confronting this challenge and establishing themselves as trusted advisors and chosen partners in the ag sector."
He believes the co-op's solutions will assist the ag sector in dealing with greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and productivity.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.

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