The good, the bad and the ugly – 2015 in review
Another year has almost passed us by – again – and it is time for the annual review of 2015's good, bad and ugly in regards to the primary sector as seen by the Rural News editorial team...
Entrants in the 2015 Lincoln University Foundation's South Island Farmer of the Year competition will again have the chance to pitch for additional prizes.
As well as the top prize of a $20,000 travel fund, the competition will offer four special category prizes with a cash prize of $5000 each.
Lincoln University Foundation chair Ben Todhunter says generous support from sponsors meant that the four prizes could again be offered this year, after their debut in the 2014 season.
"Modern farming is a complex and challenging business and it is appropriate that as well as acknowledging overall excellence with the top prize, that the Foundation also reward entrants who excel in four key categories of farm business management."
The four special category prizes are:
Silver Fern Farms 'Plate to Pasture' award
Given to the red meat finalist who shows the best focus on customer needs and service by showing how they plan their farming operations around what will eventually end up on the consumer's plate.
Agstaff award for Human Resource Management
Recognising commitment both on-farm to building a happy and productive team, and off-farm, through the strength and depth of relationships with suppliers, customers and the other people who interact with the farm business.
Farmlands Cooperative Prize for Resource Use Efficiency
Recognising excellence in the efficient and effective utilisation of the natural resources of the farm, and the physical resource inputs needed to generate a high level of production on a sustainable basis, resulting in an excellent long-run return on capital.
Lincoln University prize for Technology and Innovation
Best use of innovation, technology and/or new systems resulting in increased productivity.
Farmlands acting chief executive Tony van der Hoorn says Farmlands is proud to support an award that recognises maximising production while minimising environmental effects.
"Supporting this award is our way of acknowledging the development and contributions Farmers are making to create a more sustainable rural sector," he says.
Nominations and/or entries for South Island Farmer of the Year are open until August 1, 2015.
Visit www.lincolnuniversityfoundation.org.nz for more information
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
Dawn Meats chief executive Niall Browne says their joint venture with Alliance Group will create “a dynamic industry competitor”.
Tributes have flowed following the death of former Prime Minister and political and business leader, Jim Bolger. He was 90.
A drop in methane targets announced by the Government this month has pleased farmers but there are concerns that without cross-party support, the targets would change once a Labour-led Government is voted into office.
Farmer shareholders of meat processor Alliance have voted in favour of a proposed $270 million joint venture investment by Irish company, Dawn Meats.
The former chair of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and farmer, Doug Leeder, says rural communities' biggest fear right now is the lack of long-term certainty over environmental regulations.
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