FarmIQ Directors Announced
FarmIQ Directors Announced
New red meat
industry entity, FarmIQ Systems Limited, announced its six
directors today. They are: professional directors Alison
Paterson (chair) and David Clarke, Silver Fern Farms
director and farmer Rob Hewett, Silver Fern Farms chief
executive Keith Cooper, Landcorp chief executive Chris Kelly
and PGG Wrightson chief executive Tim Miles.
The Government, under the Primary Growth Partnership, last month approved a $151m “plate to pasture” project to create a transformational intregrated value chain approach to the red meat industry. Silver Fern Farms, PGG Wrightson, Landcorp Farming and the Government are jointly funding a seven-year programme which aims to turn the red meat industry’s production-led approach into one that is market-led and focused on consumer needs.
The programme will be run as a joint venture, through a new company – FarmIQ Systems Limited – which is responsible for implementing seven core projects (market analysis, database, genetics, processing phenotype collection, processing improvements, technology transfer and farm productive capacity) to achievable outcomes. The projects are designed to build, or enhance the industry’s capabilities and deliver new technology.
Alison Paterson has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate governance – with a focus on agribusiness, stemming from her early background as a rural accountant. She is currently chair of Abano Healthcare, Auckland University’s National Research Centre for Growth and Development, BPAC NZ and Stevenson Agriculture. Past board positions include the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (1995-2009), Landcorp Farming (1991-2006, including seven years as chair), Wrightson (1993-2004) and District Health Boards New Zealand (2000-2001, as chair).
Dave Clarke has a background in both governance and management within the health, IT and biotechnology sectors. He was chief executive of Neuren Pharmaceuticals Limited from 2002 to 2007. From 1993 to 2002, he held various senior roles within the South Auckland Health / Counties Manakau District Health Board, including, chief operating officer and chief executive. He is currently chair of The TRG Group, Kordia Limited, Hawkins-Watts, Optima Corporation, Skin Institute and the Rodney Surgical Hospital. Rob Hewett has been on the board of Silver Fern Farms since February 2008. He farms a 950 hectare property .He is a graduate of Lincoln University and holds a Master of Commerce (Marketing) degree. He is director of Business Increase Group Ltd and Crossdocks Australia Pty Ltd.
An executive search is currently being completed for the CEO role.
A series of FarmIQ Systems farmer roadshows are being held throughout New Zealand during the next two weeks:
Dargaville Monday 27 September Dargaville Museum
Te Awamutu Tuesday 28 September Pirongia Rugby Club
Gisborne Wednesday 29 September Waerenga-a-Hika Hall
Dannevirke Thursday 30 September Dannevirke Sports Club
Feilding Friday 1 October Feilding Golf Club
Lumsden Monday 4 October Memorial Hall
Wyndham Tuesday 5 October Memorial Hall
Balclutha Wednesday 6 October Telford Rural Polytechnic
Waimate Thursday 7 October Rugby Club Rooms
Darfield Friday 8 October Darfield Rugby Club Rooms
ENDS