BA Pumps expand
Cambridge based BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealand-made spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the iconic Milk Bar mobile calf feeder products, alongside calf and feed trailers.
Well known motor industry face Tom Ruddenklau has been appointed as chief of the Morrinsville-headquartered, Power Farming Group.
Brought up on a beef and sheep farm at Dipton in Southland – famous for also being the home of former Prime Minister Bill English – Ruddenklau’s interest in things mechanical started when he helped in his father’s secondary contracting business.
After university, a young Ruddenklau took up positions in the motor industry in the UK, before returning to New Zealand to lead brands such as Hyundai and Volkswagen. During that time, he was instrumental in establishing the sponsorship package with the iconic Country Calendar programme that endures to this day.
“Joining the Power Farming Group has fulfilled an underlying desire to get back to my rural roots and the engine room of the nation,” he says. “What could be a better job than leading the largest privately-owned importer, distributor and retailer in the Southern Hemisphere and be there to see that business develop in a time of complex regulatory changes?”
Initially, Ruddenklau will take the time to understand a business that is obviously in good health, with operations in New Zealand, Australia and the US. He notes that PFG is very focused on its people, typified by its joint venture retail operations throughout NZ.
“Our JV’s are built around committed individuals who have some skin in the game,” he adds. “Rural business is undoubtedly built around people, complemented by great products and supported by 5-star back up when the do-do hits the fan.”
Ruddenklau told Rural News that the PFG stable houses some great brands sourced from around the world, including UK brand JCB. He says these will support its latest venture, Power Farming Construction, which will give the company the ability to fill the farm shed even more.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
Fonterra shareholders are concerned with a further decline in the co-op’s share of milk collected in New Zealand.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.
Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.
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