13th April 2026 // Rural News in partnership with Farmlands

Two of New Zealand's biggest primary sector companies have announced significant management changes.   Fonterra has appointed Richard Allen as its new Chief Executive, effective May the first. Allen has built his entire career within the co-operative, holding roles across China, Farm Source in New Zealand, and most recently as global ingredients president after being called back from Chicago in 2024.   He has long been seen as the natural successor to Miles Hurrell, whose departure was announced less than a month ago. Hurrell will stay on in an advisory role until September. Alliance Group has also made two significant appointments. Jamie Saker returns to the company as Head of Livestock, bringing more than thirty years of red meat and agribusiness experience.   Rob Stowell joins as Chief Financial Officer after nearly two decades at Synlait, where he held several senior executive roles. New Zealand's red meat and wool industries are united in calling for the Government to urgently ratify the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.   The Meat Industry Association, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, and Wools of New Zealand have all signed a BusinessNZ open letter to parliamentarians urging swift action.   MIA independent chair Nathan Guy says global exporters are facing rising protectionism and volatility, making access to new markets critical for farm-gate returns and the national economy.   B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says India is projected to become the world's third-largest economy within five years, and a thirty per cent tariff is currently limiting sheepmeat access. Wools of New Zealand chief executive John McWhirter says India is home to leading premium handmade carpet and rug manufacturers, and an FTA would boost grower returns, lift demand for natural fibres, and strengthen existing manufacturing partnerships already underway. Former Federated Farmers President Katie Milne has been chosen as National's candidate for the West Coast-Tasman electorate ahead of November’s general election.   A fifth-generation West Coast farmer, Milne previously served as Federated Farmers' first female president from 2017 to 2020, and held roles as Vice President of the World Farmers Organisation and director of Predator Free 2050.   As a lifelong farming advocate, Milne says National has backed the primary sector by cutting red tape, signing new trade deals, and growing exports by seventeen billion dollars. Milne says she's honoured by the selection and is focused on re-electing a National Government that is fixing the basics and building for the future. She paid tribute to outgoing MP Maureen Pugh, who served the region for nearly three decades as a councillor, mayor, and Member of Parliament.   She says she'll be campaigning hard to earn the right to be West Coast-Tasman's next National MP. Dairy farmer Justin Ruygrok from Aka Aka, has claimed back-to-back wins at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Northern Regional Final, held in Pukekohe on Saturday.   The 29-year-old topped a field of eight finalists across five gruelling challenges including Agri-Sports and a fast-paced buzzer quiz, finishing ahead of Daniel Richards from Kaipara and Kieran McCahon from Whangarei.   Ruygrok says despite a tough start to the year and limited preparation time, his networks got him through. He now heads to the Grand Final in New Plymouth in July as the competition's Northern representative.   In the junior category, Liam Bleakley and Pippa Meagher from Rodney College took the Junior Young Farmer title, while the Northland Cowgirls from Glenbervie School claimed the AgriKids Northern crown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.