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.
A Chinese business leader says Chinese investors are unfairly viewed as potential security risks in New Zealand.
In the first of two articles focusing on electrification in New Zealand, Leo Argent talks with Mike Casey, operator of the 100% electric-operated Electric Cherries orchard and founder of advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa.
A Foundation for Arable Research initiative which took a closer look at the efficiency of a key piece of machinery for arable farmers - their combine harvesters - has been recognised at the Primary Industry NZ Awards.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reiterated New Zealand’s ‘China And’ policy, adding that it wasn’t about choosing one market over another but creating more options for exporters.
A long running trade dispute between New Zealand and Canada over dairy access has been resolved.
New Zealand Police is urging rural property owners to remain vigilant and ensure their property is secure.