Rural Support Trust dinner raises $300,000
A fundraiser dinner held in conjunction with Fieldays raised over $300,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
A Paeroa man is training to run the Auckland Marathon in gumboots.
Jack Keeys is running 26km from Paeroa to Thames to prepare for the marathon on November 1.
With his “gumboot marathon” Jack aims to raise funds and awareness for two causes; New Zealand’s Rural Support Trust network and Melanoma New Zealand.
Last year at the age of 24, Jack was diagnosed with melanoma — the same disease that took his father Kevin when Jack was just 12 years old.
Jack got a dodgy spot-checked and caught early. Two surgeries later he’s cancer-free.
Jack balances his work as an Agri-food Research and Insights analyst at KPMG with helping his mum back on her dairy farm after she recently lost her partner.
“Working in the Agri-Food industry, I'm acutely aware of the challenges faced by rural communities, and farmers facing ongoing challenges with weather & climate, debt & financing, and regulation & perception.
“I decided to run the Auckland Marathon in gumboots to raise awareness and funds for these two awesome organisations.’
Rural Support Trust National Council Chair Neil Bateup says Jack’s enthusiasm has brought more people along with him to run in gumboots.
“It’s really cool when these young guys get in and do something for our trusts, as it helps get the word out that we have Rural Support Trusts around the country here to help look after all our rural people.
“Sometimes it’s harder for younger guys to pick up the phone and ask for help, and we want them to know that we are just a phone call or email away.”
Chief executive of Melanoma New Zealand, Andrea Newland says they are grateful for Jack’s support.
“What great Kiwi spirit to run a marathon in gumboots - it’s truly epic!
“And by sharing his story, Jack is helping raise awareness that melanoma is reasonably common in your mid-20s and 30s, so it’s vital to be vigilant when outside, cover up, wear sunscreen, and make sure you get regular skin checks, as it could save your life.”
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.