Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
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.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson has admitted that the co-op has "dropped the ball" when communicating with shareholders.
During a discussion with shareholders at the co-op's annual meeting in Waitoa today, Wilson said that informing farmers earlier this year about new PKE usage limits was one such example.
Wilson says the co-op must get its communications better and it is the front of mind for management.
Former King Country MP, Shane Ardern told the meeting that the co-op was unable to take stakeholders along on its strategy "in these turbulent times".
"We definitely have communication issues," Ardern told the meeting.
"We have to do better in our PR department."
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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