Dairy Council meet brings together industry leaders

9 February 2011

A host of dairy experts will be chewing the cud on the biggest issues facing the dairy industry in the coming year at the Federated Farmers Dairy Council Meeting in Ashburton on 17-18 February.

“We are living in extraordinary times, with the world recession and skyrocketing commodity prices and we need to make sure New Zealand’s dairy industry is up to the challenges ahead,” says Lachlan McKenzie Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

“Dairy accounts for $11 billion of our exports, and agriculture more than half of all exports. The industry is key to New Zealand’s economic growth and our recession recovery.

Federated Farmers Dairy is an industry group within Federated Farmers that maintains a strong, progressive and sustainable dairy industry through representation, consultation and advocacy.

“Federated Farmers Dairy Council Meeting will bring together the leading dairy farming leaders to discuss the key industry developments, including environmental issues and animal welfare.

“There are local issues on the table, such as the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, which John Donkers from Irrigation New Zealand and Kim Drummond and James Tricker from Environment Canterbury will be discussing.
“Industry stalwarts John Penno from Synlait and Malcolm Baily from Fonterra will be discussing public perceptions of dairying and sustainability issues.
“Simon Couper from Fonterra will also be discussing the role of the Shareholder’s Council, ten years from its inception.

“Barbara Stuart from Landcare Trust will be talking on the critical factors for success when engaging with rural communities.

“We have also invited Dr Richard Wild from the New Zealand Veterinary Association to discuss farm animal welfare and how it’s perceived by the public.

“Federated Farmers board member John Hartnell will also be giving a talk on another hot issue, biosecurity issues in New Zealand.

“Andrew Hoggard and Dr Tessa Mills from the Federation will also be doing an in depth discussion on the issues Horizon District Council’s One Plan has raised in the industry.

“There is also a pre-council tour on Wednesday 16 February which will visit the recently commissioned Barhill Chertsey irrigation scheme intake on the Rakaia River, a small hydro scheme in Ashburton, gravity assisted irrigation schemes and other operations.

“This will also be a great opportunity to observe first hand the scale of the various Canterbury earthquakes and the recovery operations.

“This is a key event on the farming calendar, especially for those working in the dairy sector. Attendees will all be given a chance to have their say and the Federation invites everyone to participate in the breakout sessions and do some networking,” says Mr McKenzie.

ENDS

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