Lower North Island farmers “cautiously optimistic” heading into winter – DairyNZ
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
One of New Zealand’s largest dairy farmers- the Van Leeuwen Group- has been placed into receivership.
Calibre Partners, formerly KordaMentha, has been appointed receivers.
In a letter to suppliers, receivers Brendon Gibson, Neale Jackson and Natalie Burrett, says they are now in control of the assets of businesses of the van Leeuwen Group.
They intend to continue running the business, which comprises 10 dairy platforms and four support blocks with 8000ha under management, milking approximately 10,000 cows. It also includes the world’s largest robotic farm.
Owned by Aad and Wilma van Leeuwen, the business was among a number of other farmers around New Zealand who have suffered from the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak, which hit their farms in July 2017.
They were embroiled in a legal battle with Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) in a dispute about compensation. They have already been paid out $6.3 million by MPI, but sought further compensation for professional consultancy fees, bank charges and assorted other costs.
Early last year VGL refinanced its operations under a $140 million deal with Australian-based funds manager, Merricks Capital.
On Wednesday Calibre Partners wrote to the van Leeuwens giving notice that Merricks had appointed them receivers.
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.

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