Sugar hit
OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer shareholders as a 'short sighted sugar hit'.
The Government has appointed Dr Alison Watters as new chair of AsureQuality Limited.
Watters has served on the AsureQuality board for over three years, and as deputy chair for the past 18 months.
She is a director of Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), and was previously a principal research scientist for Fonterra.
“Her knowledge of AsureQuality, experience in primary industries, and expertise in laboratory management sets her up well to lead the board,” Associate Minister for State Owned Enterprises Shane Jones said.
I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the AsureQuality board and to work with management to ensure the continued success of AsureQuality,” said Watters.
She is appointed for three years from 1 November 2019, when current Chair Janine Smith retires after nine years of service.
The Government has acknowledged the contribution and leadership of Smith during her time as chair.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.
Next month, wool training will reach one of New Zealand's most remote communities, the Chatham Islands - bringing hands-on skills and industry connection to locals eager to step into the wool harvesting sector.
Farmers' health and wellbeing will take centre stage with a new hub at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.
A Mid Canterbury beef farm has unlocked a new market for its products thanks to its unusual beef breed, and an award-winning pie taking the district by storm.
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.

OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…
OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…