New Chair Of Grains Council

10 June 2005

New Chair Of Grains Council

Andrew Gillanders is the new chairman of the Grains Council of New Zealand, the arable industry group of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

Mr Gillanders was elected chairman at the Grains Council annual meeting in Ashburton. He replaces Hugh Ritchie of the Hawke's Bay, who stepped down after three years.

Mr Gillanders farms at Almond Bank near Darfield on the Canterbury Plains, and is a former council vice-chairman and North Canterbury grains chair.

He has been very involved in Federated Farmers, including the recent submission process for the Environment Canterbury natural resources regional air plan.

Mr Gillanders paid tribute to Mr Ritchie. "He's drawn the industry together during a very successful three-year term. We have got good relations through the entire industry. I hope to continue to strengthen these relationships. The arable strategic framework should help in this process."

Andrew farms in partnership with his brothers Stuart and Donald. The family farm comprises 200 ha of cereals, 50 ha of dried peas, 50 ha of ryegrass grown for seed, 60 ha winter feed and 50 ha hay and baleage. They run 5,300 sheep, a mixture of Corriedales and Borderdales and lamb 4,300 ewes.

ENDS

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