The pair will be two of five farmer-elected directors and three board-appointed directors who contribute to DairyNZ’s strategy and priorities on behalf of dairy farmers.
The results of several resolutions were also announced. These included the ratification of board-appointed directors Peter Schuyt and Mary-Anne Macleod, and a resolution on director remuneration.
Macleod replaced Dr Helen Anderson, who is stepping down from the DairyNZ board after 10 years.
The meeting focused on DairyNZ’s highlights and key activities during the 2019-20 dairy season – which included the investment of dairy farmer levy fund
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel reflected on the previous year, including DairyNZ’s achievements and the complex environment farmers are working in.
“It has been a busy and challenging year for the sector with covid-19, an unexpected event which affected many Kiwis. This also provided the opportunity to highlight the value and importance of our sector to New Zealand’s future,” Van der Poel said.
“Last year, we made good progress towards Mycoplasma bovis eradication and in a world-leading emissions programme, He Waka Eke Noa, to collectively build a farm-level emission reduction framework. DairyNZ also advocated for pragmatic essential freshwater rules for farmers.”
DairyNZ general manager of corporate services David Evans says to date, the total cost of that response to M bovis is $463 million. The costs of that are shared between the Crown and industry at 68% and 32% respectively. The dairy industry’s share of that 32% is 94%, with the remainder being paid for from the beef industry.
Evans says since the start of the response in July 2017, DairyNZ had contributed over $5m of its staff in time and costs.
Van der Poel says there were now three properties confirmed with M bovis, 249 properties with confirmed cases, which have now been cleared, and 62 farms under Notices of Direction.
He says a constructive relationship with the Government was essential to DairyNZ’s strategy in shaping a better future for the sector.
“We have called them out from time to time when we have needed to, such as with some of their water reforms and winter grazing rules, but our preference has always been to work constructively and try and get better outcomes for farmers,” he said.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle shared key programmes and projects and looked ahead to the 2020-21 season.
“The flexible milking project is a highlight. This is a promising option for farmers who want more ability to vary work hours to suit their teams,” he said.
“DairyNZ scientists have been working with farmers in Lincoln to trial milking cows three times over two days, to understand the impact on milk production.
“New research indicates that farmers could benefit from the system, with only a small reduction in milk production.
“Looking to next year, a key focus is our new project Step Change, which aims to help dairy farmers achieve financial gains, while making progress towards their environmental goals and adapting to pending regulation changes.
“DairyNZ will continue to advocate for farmers on freshwater policy and continue to look for opportunities in research which support sustainable and profitable farming.”
