Editorial: Building Resilience
OPINION: The dairy sector has been told that it cannot afford to rest on its laurels.
Irrigation New Zealand has appointed former DairyNZ manager Vanessa Winning as its new chief executive.
Winning will start her new role today; she will be based in its new Wellington HQ.
She has 20 years experience in the agriculture, banking and corporate sectors with excellent stakeholder management and engagement skills.
Winning was most recently general manager farm performance at DairyNZ, where she led a large team across the country to help farmers improve their businesses and reduce environmental impacts. Prior to DairyNZ, she spent 18 years in banking; trade; product development; marketing and communications.
Winning has a commerce degree in economics and management, and a postgraduate degree in marketing
She has also just completed a contract for the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA) on a He Waka Eke Noa project.
“The irrigation sector has much work ahead to continue building public trust and bridge knowledge gaps about the benefits that fair water management can bring to our communities and environment - we believe Vanessa is the right person to drive this,” says Keri Johnston, chair of IrrigationNZ.
“Vanessa has the strategic vision to lead our sector in the right direction: she partners to achieve positive outcomes; has commercial experience to grow an effective organisation; understands the primary sector and has worked in it managing large teams; and can navigate the increasingly complex area of water management in New Zealand.”
Commenting on her new position, Winning said: “I see so much potential for water in our country - its sensible harvesting, fair management, and pragmatic use for balanced outcomes across the economy, environment, and all of our communities, including mana whenua. I can’t wait to get stuck into the role!”
The arable industry needs profitablity, so it doesn't disappear, says newly elected Federated Farmers Arable Industry Group chair, Chris Dillon.
Carpet maker Bremworth’s planned sale to the world’s largest flooring company is off the table.
Rising strong wool prices are finally returning the sector to profitability.
New Zealand red meat exports are booming but a pending decision in the White House, Washington D.C., could dent sheepmeat earnings.
Two Canadian spraying experts, Tom Wolf and Jason Deveau, are visiting New Zealand in early August to ensure that arable growers are hitting the target with this key piece of equipment.
Otago Southland Young Farmer Tom Slee has been crowned the Season 58 FMG Young Farmer of the Year after an outstanding performance at the Grand Final in New Plymouth, the first time the event has been held in the region.