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DairyNZ campaign to attract more Kiwis to dairy

A young female farmer with a love of rural New Zealand is helping to launch DairyNZ’s latest campaign, which aims to give Kiwis a better understanding of what it means to be a dairy farmer. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Mackle says DairyNZ’s Join us campaign is part of a wider project – Here for the Long Game – aiming to help communities understand what drives dairy farmers, and how they are working to provide a better future for their farms, the land, their families, their communities, and New Zealand. “Dairy farmers are a core part of the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of communities throughout New Zealand, and our wider Here For the Long Game campaign is a platform for dairy farmers to share with other Kiwis who they are and what they do in a way that’s open and fun,” he says. “Welcoming and supporting new farming talent is vital to the sector’s long game, so we’re excited to launch a new campaign encouraging young Kiwis to get into the dairy sector,” he adds. The Join Us campaign looks into daily life on a farm – from working with machinery and technology, to caring for animals and the land. “It’s about showing young Kiwis that, for those keen to get stuck in, dairying offers a truly rewarding career and lifestyle. By joining us, you’re not only securing your own future, but becoming part of creating a better one for all New Zealanders.” The Join Us campaign is fronted by Eastern Bay of Plenty dairy farmer Shannon Munro, who has been dairy farming for about 10 years. With her husband and three children, Munro says they opted to move away from urban city life to provide a different upbringing for her young family. Her husband Steve was a builder and after the birth of their first son, she says […]

DairyNZ acknowledges passing of John Luxton

DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel and chief executive Dr Tim Mackle have today expressed their sadness at the passing of former DairyNZ chairman, the Hon John Luxton. Hon John Luxton stepped down from the role of chairman in November 2015 after more than a decade of service to DairyNZ, and a lifetime of service to the dairy industry. Mr van der Poel and Dr Mackle say he will be remembered for his longstanding, unfaltering contribution to the rural sector, particularly dairy. “John has had a major role in the success of New Zealand’s dairy industry. John has always demonstrated strong leadership and longstanding commitment to the sector,” says Mr van der Poel. “John was instrumental in a number of significant policy and legislative changes in New Zealand, including the foundation policy work that led to the formation of Fonterra and the deregulation of producer boards. “One of his major achievements was shaping the development of DairyNZ – the first industry-good body of its kind and the largest in Australasia.” Hon John Luxton played a major role in helping guide the dairy industry through a significant period of change, which would soon become New Zealand’s number one export industry. He was instrumental in supporting a successful, viable, competitive dairy industry in New Zealand, with the sector employing 42,240 people and contributing $13.2 billion to New Zealand’s export revenue during his time as chair of DairyNZ. Dr Mackle says he will remember Mr Luxton for always being very supportive and being a statesman and diplomat who could bring people together. “John was an influential leader who unified the dairy sector from dairy companies through to local and central government departments,” he says. “He led by values, had enormous integrity, and always put the best interests of those in the rural sector […]

Fonterra and Vitakey to enhance dairy’s contribution to health and wellness

Looking to a future where it is likely that many foods will be more valued for their specific health benefits, Fonterra and VitaKey Inc. has announced a transformative dairy science collaboration to further unlock the benefits of Fonterra’s probiotic strains. VitaKey specialises in precision delivery of nutrition – an emerging area of research that seeks to deliver the right nutrients, in the right amount, to the right part of the body at the right time. Co-founded by Dr. Robert Langer, the VitaKey delivery technology platform for nutrients is based on technology licensed from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and developed at the Langer Lab, the largest academic biomedical engineering lab in the world. Utilising VitaKey’s proprietary technology and customised solutions, Fonterra is looking to design dairy products that incorporate targeted and time-controlled release of specific dairy nutrients, starting with probiotics, in a way that locks in the freshness for longer and allows the nutrients to be more active and beneficial in the body. Judith Swales, CEO for Fonterra’s Asia Pacific region, says the collaboration is part of Fonterra’s long-term strategy and ambition to be a leader in dairy innovation and nutrition science. “Our Co-op has a long and proud heritage of dairy innovation, pioneering many world firsts and, increasingly, new solutions which aim to help people live healthier and longer lives. “Home to one of the largest dairy culture libraries in the world, our Research and Development Centre contains more than 40,000 strains. Two of these strains, LactoB 001 and BifidoB 019, address key health concerns such as digestive issues and immunity and are recognised as being in the top five global probiotics. “By partnering with VitaKey, we aim to ‘make nature better’ by combining the goodness of our New Zealand milk with […]

New appointments at Asahi Beverages NZ support continued growth

Asahi Beverages NZ has appointed people into senior roles to support ongoing growth, build capability and provide opportunities for its people as it continues to invest in establishing itself as one of New Zealand’s leading beverages companies. CEO Andrew Campbell says the appointments reflect Asahi Beverages NZ is a growing business focused on delivering preferred alcohol and non-alcohol beverages to valued customers and consumers, as well as attracting and retaining great talent. “We’re excited to be welcoming new people to our team who bring with them outstanding, and in several cases, global experience to drive future growth.” Tom Robinson is among those joining the business in a newly-created role of GM Supply Chain based at Asahi Beverage’s Papakura manufacturing site. British-born Robinson is currently Plant Manager at Asahi Beverages’ Yatala Brewery on the Gold Coast, which is Australia’s largest brewery. A highly experienced and effective site GM, Robinson has run multiple brewing and cider making operations and held his role at Yatala for over 11 years. He was previously a Head of Manufacturing for Heineken based in the UK for four years. Robinson has also worked for leading UK brewers Scottish and Newcastle and has a degree in Chemical Engineering. He has commenced his new role remotely and will move to Auckland when the travel bubble between Queensland and Auckland reopens. Asahi Beverages NZ has also appointed Mark McGuire to the new role of NZ Capital Projects Manager responsible for the businesses’ supply chain function. McGuire has been with Asahi Beverages NZ for over 12 years and was previously Manufacturing Operations Manager.

Picking the way to a better asparagus future with robotic harvesting

A robotic asparagus harvester project led by growers and supported by the Government is set to reinvigorate the New Zealand asparagus industry, by alleviating ongoing labour challenges. The New Zealand Asparagus Council (NZAC) and Tauranga-based Robotics Plus will work alongside New Zealand asparagus growers to develop a world-first commercial-scale autonomous robotic asparagus harvester to help address ongoing labour shortages in the industry and support growers to tap into high-value export markets. The Government’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund is contributing $2.6 million to the $5.83 million project. “We’re really excited to get this project underway as we simply don’t have enough people to do the work,” says Mangaweka Asparagus grower and NZAC Chair, Sam Rainey. “Robotic harvesting will be a game-changer for the asparagus industry that currently relies heavily on picking asparagus by hand, which is hard toil. An average picker will walk 10 kilometres per day, so it’s extremely difficult to attract people to do the work. “Having the ability to access a commercial robotic harvester will also go a long way to helping manage costs, ensuring we can continue to put locally grown fresh asparagus on our plates.” Steve Saunders, CEO of Robotics Plus, says an autonomous asparagus harvester will alleviate labour constraints, reduce and stabilise costs, and allow New Zealand asparagus to have a more competitive offering in high-value export markets. “We’re excited to be working with growers and the New Zealand Asparagus Council to ensure we develop a solution that tackles challenges head-on and creates a better future for the asparagus industry. It’s an ideal robotics project as green asparagus is conducive to automation as it grows above ground. In addition, it replaces a physically arduous job that only has a brief employment window that growers struggle to attract harvesting labour for,” says […]

Future-focused farmers encouraged to consider DairyNZ board

Dairy farmers with a strong interest in supporting the sector’s success are encouraged to apply for a position on DairyNZ’s board. Nominations are now open for one farmer to join the board. DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says the past year has presented its own set of challenges for farmers and the sector, including workforce shortages, regulatory change and extreme weather events. “Our farmers are currently the most sustainable milk producers in the world and have made significant progress to prepare for the future, but farmers are operating in a challenging climate,” says Mr van der Poel. “DairyNZ is in a unique position to support dairy farmers with leading research and science, and to advocate on behalf of farmers to influence future policy changes.” The DairyNZ board oversees DairyNZ’s strategy, which guides future investments into a range of programmes, including industry research and development; sustainable farming; promoting careers in dairy; advocating for farmers and monitoring the strategy’s delivery. “The DairyNZ team are dedicated to helping farmers face upcoming challenges and continue improving their businesses to prosper. Our board plays a key part in this, and we encourage farmers who are future-focused, have an interest in governance and supporting the sector’s success to consider joining the DairyNZ board,” says Mr van der Poel. Appointments to DairyNZ’s Board of Directors apply for three years, with directors retiring by rotation. This year, director Jacqueline Rowarth is retiring by rotation. DairyNZ is also inviting applications from farmers for one position on the Directors’ Remuneration Committee, which independently sets the directors’ fees. Both the board and the directors’ remuneration roles are open to current levy paying dairy farmers. Two current levy payers must nominate each candidate. Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer by 12 noon on Friday, 3 September 2021.

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Lincoln alumnus banks Young Farmer title

Banker, and Lincoln commerce graduate, Jake Jarman’s win in the recent FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest highlights the diversity of the agriculture sector. He was competing against, among others, a solutions and development specialist, a farms systems scientist, technical specialist, and regional sales manager. Only two of the competitors were on the pasture side of the farm gate, working in dairy farming. The 2019 winner (no winner in 2020 due to Covid-19) was in a business graduate programme, while a vet was also in the final. Jake is an ANZ Relationship Associate and comes from a fifth-generation family dairy farm, though two of his fellow finalists were from urban backgrounds. “I opted to go down the commerce route for my studies because it’s always been something I’ve found interesting,” he said. He has not strayed too far from his roots in his job though, as he helps customers to start, grow and maintain their rural businesses, and his degree helped in his career and in the competition. “The Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) course at Lincoln was great in that it allowed me to learn about a wide range of the agricultural industry,” he said. The compulsory practical work farm placements component meant he also learnt crucial practical skills during his summer breaks. He said the programme also included a whole year looking at one business and having to analyse their financial and physical performance, but then also be innovative in coming up with an investment idea. Field trips to the Lower North Island, Waikato, and Southland were highlights. “I thoroughly enjoyed them because we were immersed in the ag industry for a week, and I was able to learn about farming in all the different regions of NZ.” Jake said the reaction at work to his win had […]

Safety profile – It’s so important to take time out

Working in the agri-nutrient sector, Calvin Ball says he has seen a significant change in farmers’ attitudes to health and safety in recent years. Calvin, the Northern 2021 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, grew up on a Northland dairy farm, studied agriscience at Massey and began his career with an agri-nutrient company in 2013. After his OE in London, he returned to the company and is now Northern North Island Regional Sales Manager, heading a team of nutrient specialists. “Going out on farms, I have seen farmers’ attitudes change significantly since 2013,” he says. “Back then, many could be pretty dismissive in their response to conversations about health and safety, but now they are much more on board with the requirements and attitudes are very different.” For Calvin, a strong awareness around farmers managing fatigue and the importance of looking after their mental health and wellbeing and that of their people is a critical part of any health and safety plan. “I’m a strong advocate of being aware and noticing if someone doesn’t seem well. I try to encourage them to talk and to seek help.” Calvin is also a volunteer with Surfing for Farmers in Whangarei. The voluntary organisation started in Gisborne and has spread countrywide. “We help organise it. All the gear is provided, and farmers come along and get free lessons. It gets them off farm and provides the opportunity to learn something new and to catch up with other farmers. We’ve had 100-150 farmers in the water – and we have a barbecue afterwards.” Calvin grew up as one of five children. Like many farm kids, they worked alongside their parents on the farm, learning how to do jobs safely. His father would always supervise them until he was confident they could do a […]

From the ‘Should Have Seen it Coming File’…

Australia has just competed a new trade deal with the UK including agricultural products, which includes a removal of all tariffs. The UK will export to Australia cars, Scotch whisky, biscuits and ceramics. The deal makes up for EU imports lost (due to Brexit) being made up by Australia. Its a decent win for Australia and was settled after keeping the British meat producer in mind. It is also a deal keeping in mind the UK’s aim of joining a wider Asia-Pacific free trade agreement. This on top of the pressure Australia has been under by standing up to China (for the world!), losing billions of dollars of product exports – including wine – being blocked by that country. So well done Australia! Then – almost predictably – the NZ prime minister at Mystery Creek Fieldays, Hamilton had a say about all this. She said ( words to the effect) that her government was taking negotiations with the UK slower, so that we get a proper deal? Is she saying Australia hurried theirs by coming up with an Agreement with zero tariffs? These are the words of a person who worked in a fish and chip shop in Morrinsville. These are the words of someone who continues to confirm the inferiority complex that NZ has with Australia. Did she want to be invited to the G7? Damien O’Connor has just arrived in London to talk trade deals with his UK couterparts – let’s hope they come up with something similar.

Dairy challenged to keep building momentum

Dairy farmers at DairyNZ’s Farmers’ Forum have been challenged to take their world-leading farm systems and continue toward an increasingly sustainable future. The forum in Waikato and Southland opened on Thursday, April 29, with keynote speaker Climate Change Minister Hon. James Shaw, who acknowledged the sector’s success and where dairy is heading. “We know that New Zealand’s dairy farmers have amongst the lowest carbon footprint per unit of production in the world. That is something for us to build on, to bend the curve on our total emissions output, because it is our total emissions that cause climate change,” said Mr Shaw. “There have been things happening in the sector over the past few years that are changing the way things are done. These are making significant impacts for the farmers adopting them, reducing their emissions whilst at the same time increasing their profitability. Our task now is to roll these innovations and changes in farm practice out right across the country.” “The same thing is true in every sector of the economy. There is a lot of work to be done, but if we get it right, what we’ll see is a cleaner and more productive country.” Leading New Zealand economist Cameron Bagrie also emphasised challenges facing the sector, including climate change and the labour issues, but suggests the farming sector’s sentiment in the next 10 to 20 years should be a glass half full. “Our country’s world leading agricultural sector has made big advances over the past few years, including tidying up balance sheets, and improvements can and should continue,” said Mr Bagrie. “Disruption is here, and coming thick and fast, but the dairy sector knows what it needs to do. We are going to get there.” DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel also said we can be […]

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