Dairy Nz Welcomes New Pair

• Published date: 09 November 2022
• Publication title: West Coast Farming Times, The

Dairy NZ chairman Jim van der Poel says he is looking forward to having Tracy and Chris on the board, as they will help play a key role in helping create a better future for farmers

"Tracy and Chris will play a key part in setting the future direction of DairyNZ and the sector. They both bring key knowledge and expertise which will support our farmers as we continue to navigate the changing farming environment."

Tracy and Chris join the three other farmer-elected directors and three boardappointed directors on Dairy NZ's board and dairy farmers.

Mr van der Poel also acknowledged and thanked departing board member Elaine Cook for her contributions to the Dairy NZ board.

"Elaine's expertise has been invaluable over the past seven years. Elaine has contributed greatly in the face of a range of farmer challenges, including changing regulations, particularly winter grazing regulations in Southland, and supporting the transition towards the new DairyNZ strategy for farmers. We will miss her."

This year's AGM acknowledged the significant year it has been for farmers, including inflation driving up costs onfarm, staff shortages, regulatory changes and COVID-19, while also highlighting some of the sector's achievements.

"As farmers we should all be proud of our contribution, providing jobs and income for New Zealand. With strong milk prices, dairy's economic contribution was $50 billion over the past season," said Mr van der Poel.

"Despite the challenges we face, dairy continues to be a driving force...