International Day of Rural Women: Two DairyNZ Farmers’ Stories
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
OPINION: Your old mate wonders if the current chair of DairyNZ, Jim van der Poel, is the very same Jim van der Poel who is now canvassing to retain his directorship of the dairy industry-good body.
The Jim van der Poel on the electioneering trail says that farmers shouldn’t be taxed for methane emissions until it is proven that there is actually a problem.
Surely this can’t be the same Jim van der Poel – the methane messiah – who has been beating the He Waka eka Noa (HWEN) drum for the past 3 years and demanding that farmers sign on the dotted line and get with the HWEN programme or be thrown into the ETS fire of doom?
Dairy levy payers have until October 10 to cast their votes. Will they send a similar message – like their sheep and beef farming colleagues – who voted out their chair earlier this year?
The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement entered into force today, improving market access for New Zealand businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Vetekina Pau'u is the first Tongan to win the William Gearish Memorial prize and sadly she will also be the last recipient.
Things are looking up in the dairy goat sector.
Mark Hooper has been appointed the new chair of NZPork, the industry organisation representing New Zealand pig farmers.
As the India-New Zealand free trade agreement enters into force, New Zealand’s apple industry has reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term development of India’s apple sector.
Fonterra shareholders can begin voting on Tuesday 20 October in the 2026 Board of Directors’ election, a Co-operative Council election in one Ward, and seven Annual Meeting resolutions.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…