Thursday, 09 June 2022 11:30

Junket!

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: This old mutt reckons it doesn’t take long for farmer directors to get their noses well and truly in the trough when they get elected to levy organisation boards.

Take, for example, Beef+Lamb director Kate Acland, who was only elected on to the BLNZ board back in March 2021. She has now packed her bags for her first post-Covid overseas jolly – care of farmer levypayers.

Acland was joined by BLNZ chair Andrew Morrison, chief executive Sam McIvor and policy manager Dave Harrison on an all-expenses-paid trip to the EU and UK, described as “a whistle-stop tour meeting agricultural counterparts, farmers, government officials and politicians in the UK and the EU in support of further developing New Zealand’s relationships”.

Oh, and the trip also manages to squeeze in “celebrations” to mark the Meat Board Centenary, with events in London and Brussels. Nice for some!

More like this

Cool Beef: NZ's New Programme to Cut Cattle Methane

Beef+Lamb New Zealand and the Ag Emissions Centre have launched a new research project aimed at helping beef farmers reduce methane emissions without impacting productivity or profitability.

Sheep & Beef Farm Conversion to Forestry Slows, Risk Remains

Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities Party, labelled by some as the 'LinkedIn Greens' for their corporate spin on Green-esque 'tax the rich' policies.

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in Westminster is a salient warning for us.

New Mates

OPINION: Proponents of regenerative agriculture tend to be naturally aligned with a 'green mindset', so they will be nonplussed with their new mates in the US of A.

Featured

Ballance Returns to Profit, Announces $18.2m Rebate

Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.

Mark Cameron Steps Down, Reflects on Farmers' Voice

When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.

What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?

Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.

Ex-National MP: Coup Attempt Could Cost Luxon the Election

I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

RMA Reform Still on Track Despite Wellington Drama — Feds

Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.

NZ Pest Crisis Costs Farmers $466M a Year — Survey

New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.