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.
The Hound notes that Lincoln University’s vice-chancellor Andrew West has suddenly resigned. This old mutt hopes West’s replacement is not serial bow-tie wearer and rent-a-quote Lincoln academic Keith Woodford.
The latter’s credibility has been called into question after he claimed the sheep being shipped live to Mexico would “quickly be killed and end up on the barbeque at village festivals”. As agent Peter Walsh curtly pointed out, with these sheep being landed in Mexico at around US$360 a head “that makes it a very expensive lamb chop for financially struggling Mexicans”. The Hound suggests Woodford better stick to producing dour and unreadable columns about Fonterra, because his understanding of the economics and spending power of Mexican peasants is way off beam!
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.

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