Next generation of rural leaders named as Nuffield Awards mark 75 years, Fonterra brand sale could deliver billions of dairy farmers, and nominations open for the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award.

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!

 

Next generation of rural leaders named as Nuffield Awards mark 75 years

New Zealand's rural sector celebrated its next generation of leaders last night, as four food and fibre innovators received prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarships at Parliament. 

Associate Minister of Agriculture Nicola Grigg awarded the scholarships to Waikato sheep and beef farmer Dani Darke, Tasman processor and consultant Alan McDermott, Southland dairy farmer and councillor Jon Pemberton, and Wairarapa regenerative farmer Lisa Portas. 

Each recipient receives fifty thousand dollars to conduct international research and development. Scholars will also join the Value Chain Innovation tour in January. And in March New Zealand hosts over one hundred international Nuffield scholars in Auckland for their annual conference.

Throughout their scholarship recipients will meet agricultural innovators, research leaders, and gain insights from successful farming operations worldwide.

The awards, marking their seventy-fifth year in twenty-twenty-five, continue their tradition of nurturing agricultural excellence.

Rural Leaders Chair Kate Scott announced this year's selection drew the highest number of candidates in recent memory.

 

Fonterra brand sale could deliver billions of dairy farmers

New analysis reveals that Fonterra’s potential sale of its consumer brand division, might return up to three billion dollars to co-operative members, equivalent to two dollars for each share held.

The report, requested by the Fonterra Shareholder Council, comes from Northington, an independent investment bank, reviewing the dairy giant's intended changes. 

The potential sale includes well-known household names including Anchor and Mainland, that make up nearly one-third of Fonterra's total investment, though they generate a more modest seventeen percent of earnings.

The move would allow Fonterra to redirect attention toward its main strengths - milk collection and processing. This matches the co-operative's renewed commitment to maximising returns for its seven thousand eight hundred farmer-owners.

The analysis also reveals most revenue from any sale could return directly to farmers, while maintaining Fonterra's strong credit rating.

 

Reserve Bank report shows 41% drop in China meat trade, while dairy climbs

A recovery for our dairy industry could see milk returns reach nine dollars and fifty cents per kilogram this season, according to the Reserve Bank's latest Financial Stability Report. This marks a significant increase from last season's seven dollars and eighty-three cents.

Fonterra currently maintains a mid-range nine dollar forecast, well above the break-even mark for most dairy farming operations. Market indicators through the NZX futures trading suggest additional gains remain likely.

The meat industry tells a different story, with total earnings reaching five hundred and sixty-four million dollars in monthly trade, marking an eight percent decline from last year. Trade data reveals sheep meat volumes dropped sixteen percent to sixteen thousand, two hundred and thirty-eight tonnes in monthly exports.

American markets remain relatively stable, maintaining their number one market rank at one hundred and forty-three million dollars, down five percent. Meanwhile, Chinese demand declined forty-one percent to one hundred and six million dollars, causing significant market adjustments.

Quarterly figures indicate total sheep meat volume reached fifty-eight thousand, six hundred and eighty-five tonnes, down fourteen percent. The value of these exports declined ten percent to six hundred and four million dollars.

 

Nationwide auction to turn local meat into meals 

Rural charity Meat the Need is launching its national online auction this week, marking a major effort to deliver locally-sourced meat to New Zealand families experiencing hardship. The ten-day trademe auction, starting Thursday night, will turn auction winning into direct action to tackle hunger across our communities.

The auction includes some outstanding items, with a new Ford Ranger, luxury golf and spa accommodation at Millbrook Resort, an adventure weekend at Blue Duck Station, and outdoor gear from rural retailers among the list.

Data reveals the timing of this initiative matches growing community needs, with nearly one in five New Zealand households now experiencing difficulty accessing adequate nutrition, with rural and urban communities alike affected. More than twenty thousand children regularly miss out on essential meals.

Meat the Need General Manager Zellara Holden says the auction creates a direct link between rural generosity and community wellbeing. 

The organisation now delivers to more than one hundred and thirty food distribution centres nationwide, making it New Zealand's largest dedicated meat donation network.

 

Nominations open for the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award

The hunt is on to recognize New Zealand's leading rural women, as the Dairy Women’s Network launches the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award. This recognition, now in its fourteenth year, aims to highlight those making remarkable contributions beyond their own land.

The award celebrates women who demonstrate outstanding leadership in rural communities while advancing dairy industry interests. Award organisers are seeking candidates who show innovation, dedication, and clear vision for the industry's tomorrow.

2024 winner Katrina Roberts earned recognition for her dedication as a rural veterinarian. Her work highlights the importance of building strong connections between animal health experts and dairy managers to achieve better outcomes.

Lead judge and Dairy Womens Network trustee Jenna Smith indicates they're looking for individuals who bring multiple talents to their rural roles. The ideal candidate will understand community needs, care for our environment, and demonstrate clear commercial understanding.

The winner receives entry to the renowned Kellogg Rural Leadership initiative, including all related costs. The winner will also have access to DWN and Fonterra platforms to share their research.

dwn.co.nz has more information, nominations and applications close on February 28 next year.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.