DairyNZ is calling for farmers to put themselves forward for two seats on its board.
Directors Elaine Cook and Tracy Brown are retiring by rotation. Both are standing for re-election.
Chair Jim van der Poel said it’s a challenging but rewarding and important time to be part of the sector and its leadership.
“With exceptionally strong milk prices, dairy continues to play a critical role in New Zealand’s prosperity and overall wellbeing,” said Van der Poel. “At the same time, farmers are also facing a number of challenges including rising costs, staff shortages and challenging regulations.
Van der Poel said DairyNZ is in a unique position to support dairy farmers with extension and research, and to advocate on behalf of farmers to influence future policy decisions.
DairyNZ’s board oversees the organisation’s strategy, which is to increase farm profitability while reducing environmental impact, develop future farm systems and solutions, and build the capability of people on farm.
It also focuses on engaging and partnering with farmers and building trust and pride in dairy farming.
Van der Poel said ideally candidates would have a strong understanding of farm systems, research, policy and advocacy. Strong commercial, governance and financial skills would also be an advantage, along with good networks in the dairy sector.
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 noon on Monday, September 5.
If an election is required, farmer voting will take place during September and October, with the successful candidates announced at DairyNZ’s annual meeting on October 18 in Invercargill.
More information is available at dairynz.co.nz/agm
