Farmers all over the country will be able to celebrate their achievements at DairyNZ's annual general meeting this year - because the event will be held online.
Due to Covid-19 disruption, the AGM will be live-streamed on Wednesday, October 20, so all levy payerscould join, DairyNZ board chair Jim van der Poel said.
"Covid means it will be held virtually this year but that means it does allow all dairy farmers in New Zealand to participate," he told The Country Sport Breakfast's Brian Kelly.
The meeting will include a review of the year and also a look at what's in store for the future, Van der Poel said.
The Annual Report will share the latest insights from DairyNZ-funded research, including promising studies into improving cow fertility and how to breed higher yielding forage crops.
The report will also share DairyNZ-commissioned research that shows New Zealand dairy farmers are the world's most carbon-efficient.
DairyNZ board chair Jim van der Poel. Photo / Supplied
Meanwhile, one position is available on the DairyNZ Board of Directors, and the successful candidate will be announced at the AGM.
Voting remains open for the DairyNZ Board of Directors election until 12 noon on Tuesday, October 19.
This year, two candidates have been nominated for the position: Stu Muir and Jacqueline Rowarth.
Van der Poel said it was vital that farmers had their say on who would join the board.
"Directors of DairyNZ will make decisions on behalf of all dairy farmers - around our policies and what services we provide for farmers and what our positions are when engaging with local and central government.
"So it's a very important role and people should take the time to make sure they do vote and vote for those people who they believe will best represent them."
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DairyNZ's Board also played a key role within the wider industry, Van der Poel said.
"They're kind of the glue that brings all the different industry players together on a lot of issues that farmers are facing.
"We're the only organisation now who represents all the dairy farmers in New Zealand and of course, the board is at the forefront of that."
Farmers should have received an email about the election, along with a text reminder, but if not, they could still vote on DairyNZ's website, Van der Poel said.
More about DairyNZ's AGM and Board of Directors election
Farmers who have voting queries can contact the election helpline on 0800 666 935 or email iro@electionz.com.
Farmers can read more about the candidates in their candidate profiles here.
For more information and a copy of DairyNZ's 2020/21 Annual Report and Annual Report summary visit dairynz.co.nz/agm
