Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
John Wilson has been appointed the chairman elect of Fonterra.
Wilson will take up the role of chairman when Henry van der Heyden stands down as chairman at the cooperative's annual meeting in December.
Van der Heyden says Wilson brings lengthy experience in the dairy industry and has been on the board since 2003.
Wilson is a previous chairman of the Fonterra Shareholders Council. He lives on his family dairy farm near Te Awamutu and also manages a dairy farming business in South Canterbury. He is the chairman of South Auckland Independent Testing Society Ltd and a director of Turner & Growers Ltd.
"Over the past two years the board has been working through a considered and disciplined process to appoint a chairman elect and ensure the succession plan we have is in the best interest of the cooperative," says van der Heyden.
"John and I will work together over the next few months to assist with a smooth transition to provide continuity for the cooperative."
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.

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