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.
Ravensdown have won the Large Business Award at the 2015 Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce Awards.
In the Hawkes Bay region the fertiliser co-op has several stores - a spreading venture, customer contact centre, laboratory and a superphosphate manufacturing plant.
Regional manager Jamie Thompson says the whole team can take pride in this acknowledgement of its contribution to the Hawkes Bay economy.
Ravensdown's understanding of how technology can accelerate business success, good implementation of health and safety practices and the strong focus on people development was what ultimately impressed the judges.
"Like any long-established business, there's a danger of being taken for granted. But those who depend on us, such as local farmers, port workers, transporters and service businesses, all know the importance of a successful Ravensdown."
Ravendown have been operating their seven-hectare manufacturing plant since 1953, ISO 9001 quality accredited since 1996 and ISO 14001 environmentally accredited since 1998. It is the largest superphosphate manufacturing plant in New Zealand with products being applied across nearly one million hectares of farmland throughout the North Island.
A Hawke's Bay farming family of self-confessed 'frequent flyers' has donated the proceeds from their spring lambs.
Biosecurity New Zealand is intensifying its campaign to locate and eliminate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, following confirmed detections on Auckland's North Shore.
Following a recent director election, Canterbury farmer Sean Molloy has been appointed to the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.

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