Top dairy CEO quits
Arguably one of the country's top dairy company's chief executives, Richard Wyeth has abruptly quit Chinese owned Westland Milk Products (WMP)
Former Westland Milk chairman Pete Morrison says Yili’s new ownership represents a significant milestone for the former co-op and the start of a new era for the dairy industry on the West Coast.
He says Westland is a proud business with a strong history on the West Coast and in Canterbury.
“Jingang’s ownership provides confidence, security and competitive payouts for farmers – and their families – in our region. I am sure this will provide a strong platform for dairying in the region for many years ahead.”
Morrison says throughout the sale process all farmers were treated equally and all stand to be equally rewarded in the future.
“Fairness and equality were critical principles for the board and we are pleased these principles were understood and respected by Jingang and Yili throughout our negotiations.
“My fellow farmers and I now look forward to helping Yili achieve its long term goal of becoming the most trusted healthy food provider in the world. It is an exciting vision and it is exciting to help make this a reality.
“The strong engagement and support shown by Westland’s shareholders at the recent shareholder meeting demonstrates the importance our farmers place on the new relationship and their faith in Yili working with them to build Westland’s positive future.
“It is truly a win-win result for all involved.”
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
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