Andy Macfarlane: Fonterra has “reset the ship” but more work lies ahead
Retiring Fonterra director Andy Macfarlane believes the co-operative has made good progress over the past decade but adds that there's still a way to go.
Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dean Hamilton has been appointed to the Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) board for a three-year term.
Hamilton joined the board as a venison processor-appointee on 1 July, replacing Andrew West.
Deer Industry New Zealand chair Andy Macfarlane welcomed Hamilton saying “Silver Fern Farms is our largest venison processor and marketer and we are very pleased to now have a close connection to that company through Dean’s appointment. To have a leader of his calibre on the board will be an asset for DINZ and is a good signal of Silver Fern Farms’ commitment to the deer industry.”
Hamilton joined Silver Fern Farms as chief strategy officer in April 2014 and was appointed chief executive in November 2014. He has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and investment in both New Zealand and Australia, before which he held senior operational roles including chief executive of meat processor Riverlands Foods.
Macfarlane also acknowledged West’s contribution to the board.
“Andy West is an astute strategic thinker, and his insights have been invaluable over the last three years as DINZ has been developing its strategic direction. We are very grateful for his input as a director.”
The Push-Up Challenge, an event which combines mental health and fitness, is set to launch in New Zealand in 2026.
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.