Taupiri Farmer Chris Woolerton Tipped as New Federated Farmers Waikato President
Taupiri farmer Chris Woolerton is tipped to take over as Federated Farmers Waikato president from next week.
Retiring Radio New Zealand rural broadcaster Kevin Ikin was honoured at the Feds conference.
Ikin has been the voice of rural NZ on National Radio for nearly 30 years.
President William Rolleston says many rural people have been interviewed by Ikin over the years, but many have never met him personally.
He described Ikin as an absolute gentleman and a professional interviewer who could at times be very probing to get a story.
Rolleston said Ikin had served the primary sector extremely well over many years and would be greatly missed.
A presentation was made to Ikin at the conference dinner, which was also attended by his wife Sue and several present and past colleagues from Radio New Zealand.
Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.
The 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Young Breeders Development Programme is off to a strong start, with this year's intake coming together for their first event on March 18 and 19.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced it will pay a $10 million special dividend to the Crown off the back of a strong outlook for the business and a capital repayment of $9.5 million following Fonterra's consumer business sale.

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