Early Bird I Tuesday October 22nd 2024

Major change at dairy giant as chief executive departs, Fonterra’s election season opens today, and Hunterville’s ready for legendary Shemozzle return.   Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!   Major change at dairy giant as chief executive departs Major changes at Canterbury-based dairy manufacturer Synlait, with Chief Executive Grant Watson announcing his immediate departure, just weeks after the company secured its market recovery. The Rakaia-based dairy manufacturer has named Tim Carter, current head of its Dairyworks division, as acting chief executive.  The timing follows recent achievements in stabilising the company's market position, with chair George Adams saying Watson guided the organisation through recent challenges, including vital negotiations with key market allies. Watson also maintained an active role in developing Asian market opportunities while strengthening the company's manufacturing capabilities.  During Watson's three-year leadership, the organisation navigated significant market hurdles, ultimately securing backing from major industry investors. Recent months saw the dairy manufacturer achieve critical financial restructuring, ensuring continued market operations.   Rural disease testing takes major leap with new technology A groundbreaking advancement in animal health management has emerged as Marlborough-based DNAiTECH introduces instant disease testing technology, eliminating the need to wait on distant laboratories. The innovative rural technology team has attracted one million dollars through Agritech investment, matched with additional innovation grants totaling $750,000. DNAiTECH leader Murray Broom says the hand-held device delivers immediate results right at the animal's location, meaning rural communities can know instantly what health challenges they're dealing with, rather than waiting on distant test results. The technology utilises advanced detection methods to identify numerous animal health challenges, including conditions like Johne's disease. Early detection could reduce economic impacts and limit disease movement between animals. The team aims to establish manufacturing in Marlborough within twelve months, creating local technical roles while maintaining close contact with rural users. The method requires minimal training, meaning teams can readily integrate it into their animal management activities. Initial market introduction will occur through international health agencies, allowing the team to enhance the technology while maintaining manufacturing standards.    Fonterra’s election season opens today Dairy farmers across the country have their chance to influence Fonterra's direction as voting launches this morning. The annual election includes Board roles, regional council positions, and key annual meeting decisions. Current Board Chairman Peter McBride and Director John Nicholls are the only nominees for two available Board positions. Each candidate needs majority backing from voting members to retain their roles, even in this uncontested election. Dairy leaders encourage active member involvement through upcoming online meetings with the candidates, taking place next month, with evening and midday time choices available on November 7th and 8th. Two regional council areas need member decisions. Central Districts West sees Megan Cushnahan and Hamish Easton seeking member backing, while in Hawke’s Bay, Charlotte Lawn and Willie White are running. Online and mail voting remains active until ten-thirty on November 12th. The annual meeting follows two days later in New Plymouth, where members can attend in person or online.   Rising demand creates mentor need at Growing Future Farmers The award-winning Growing Future Farmers training initiative needs more mentors to meet increasing demand, with more than 130 young learners ready to begin their agricultural careers in 2025. The initiative has identified key regions requiring additional training locations, including Canterbury, King Country, and Otago. The training model relies on a two-year learning arrangement where young agricultural enthusiasts live and work alongside mentor teams, gaining hands-on knowledge and understanding. Learners attend weekly educational modules while maintaining a regular work schedule across other weekdays. The mentoring role includes regular catch-ups with regional advisors who maintain close contact, ensuring optimal outcomes. Host locations also regularly welcome regional training activities, creating community learning moments. Meat and Wool New Zealand's National Extension Manager, Olivia Weatherburn, is encouraging rural leaders to consider mentoring roles, revealing both trainees and mentors gain valuable knowledge through the arrangement. Agricultural leaders wanting to learn more about mentoring roles can  head to the website www.growingfuturefarmers.co.nz/farm-trainers   Hunterville’s ready for legendary Shemozzle return A tiny Rangitikei town is ready to welcome thousands next weekend as the legendary Hunterville Huntaway Festival returns. The event's main attraction, the famous Shemozzle race, continues drawing crowds twenty-six years after three locals dreamed it up at their local meeting spot. This unique rural challenge teams working dogs with their owners, tackling mystery obstacles and unusual taste tests. The event has grown from its humble origins to earn international recognition, even catching attention from overseas television crews. Event organisers have reported overwhelming interest this year. The younger divisions reached full capacity within days of opening, and market stall locations already show no vacancies. The town, normally home to just four hundred and fifty residents, anticipates welcoming nearly ten times that number. Local pride in the event remains strong, with a dedicated main street monument honouring every winning team since the event began. The day offers entertainment beyond the main race, with younger contestants enjoying modified versions of the challenge, and families find additional activities throughout the afternoon.  The main event continues testing both human and canine abilities, with obstacles ranging from rope challenges to hill climbs.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.