Pamu and LIC to launch Synergizer
The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near Taupo.
The Government has appointed three new members to the board of state farmer Landcorp Farming Ltd, trading as Pāmu.
Angela Dixon, Stu Husband, and Brent Lawgun begin serving a three-year term from 1 August 2025.
Dixon is a seasoned consultant and finance specialist with extensive governance experience. Her background spans financial performance oversight, capital asset management, and digital innovation.
Husband is a dairy farm owner and operator, iwi negotiator, and former Waikato Regional Councillor. His strong connection with farmers and belief in Landcorp's role as a pathway to farm ownership for rangatahi underpin his appointment, says Pāmu.
Lawgun has over 30 years of business, with a focus on private equity, funds management, and board governance. His pragmatic approach to aligning governance with performance and culture makes him a valuable addition to the board.
Chair John Rae says each new appointee brings a unique blend of expertise, insight, and leadership "that will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our strategic priorities and crown expectations".
"Their appointments mark a significant step forward in strengthening Pāmu governance capability and ensuring the board reflects the breadth of experience needed to navigate the future of farming in NZ," Rae says.
Two months ago, Pāmu was issued a "please explain" letter by its shareholder, the Government, seeking answers on how it intends to strengthen its finances and focus on its core roles.
State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown wrote to the board expressing disappointment and concern at the state-owned farming company's "failure to make progress in improving its performance".
He cited as examples of underperformance and measures needing to be addressed, improving the five-year average of a 2.6% return on shareholder's funds, and it's failure to meet its cost of equity for at least a decade.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…