The New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Parsons, MNZM, DSD as their new Chief Executive Officer. Chris Parsons will replace Anne Hindson on 04 May 2020, following her stepping down as General Manager at end of April.
“We were thrilled by the quality field of candidates and consider ourselves fortunate to have someone of Chris Parsons calibre and experience step up to lead New Zealand Rural Leaders through its next stage of growth,” said Andrew Watters, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Hailing from the Far North, Chris Parsons has a sheep and beef background and co-owns Ashgrove Genetics Ltd. He is also a decorated Army Officer, Certified Member of the Institute of Directors and holds master’s degrees in management and in strategy.
As part of the Board’s transition plan, Chris Parsons will attend the Nuffield Triennial Conference programme in March 2020.
Andrew Watters went on to say that “the New Zealand farming and growing sectors are at a pivotal moment; more than ever we need rural leaders who can perceive the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by rapid technological, environment, consumer and policy changes.” Chris Parsons expertise in strategy design, delivery, international relations and leader development will be important as Rural Leaders expands its offering and impact to keep New Zealand at the forefront of global agribusiness.
Parsons said, “I am honoured and excited to lead to New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust. I believe finding, developing and mentoring future rural leaders matters to the prosperity of New Zealand and New Zealanders, the protection of our environment and to thriving rural communities.”
Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Andrew Watters said, “We very much appreciate Anne Hindson’s efforts and her service to New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust since her appointment in 2014. Anne has been crucial to the establishment and development of New Zealand Rural Leaders which runs the iconic Nuffield Scholarship and the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programmes. These programmes select, develop and help accelerate the leadership potential of New Zealand’s exceptional rural talent and the alumni of which contribute significantly to the food and fibre sector across New Zealand.”
Our final E newsletter for the year is slightly later than planned and will hit you as you are winding down for the Xmas break. We hope that this later timing might mean you have some holiday reading!!
With the year now completed for the Nuffield Scholarships and the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programmes, focus is now on 2020 with the Kellogg programmes starting on 21 January, closely followed by the largest event we have ever hosted, the Nuffield2020 Triennial in March.
We have reviewed our intention to combine our two e-newsletters and decided to remain with separate communications due to targeted interests and potential level of content. So you can expect to continue to receive the dedicated programme updates as well as this generic operational update.
Quarterly Update (Sept – Dec 2019)
Management
We are thrilled to introduce a new addition to the team with the appointment of Tamney Hoyle, our new full time Marketing Manager, responsible for driving all our internal and external marketing and communications. Tamney’s most recent role was with PGG Wrightson where she led the marketing efforts for PGG Wrightson’s Livestock, Wool and Standardbred business units. Since starting in October she was immediately seconded into the marketing of the International Agribusiness Summit on 23 March, to our Kellogg alumni and the wider NZ agri food sector.
Our future strategy and work plan has been a key focus in the latter part of this year with Scott Champion from Provenanz, (and Kellogg Programme Leader), working with myself, and Louise Webster (Independent Trustee) on refining our strategy and action plan for the organisation for the next 24 months. To be presented to the Board in January, the focus has been on further developing current programmes, new initiatives, alumni, sponsor and stakeholder engagement and delivery.
The search for a replacement for my role of CEO, has started. As already communicated, I will finish up at the end of April 2020 after the Nuffield2020 event with a replacement coming on board earlier for a handover. I look forward to farewelling Nuffielders at our conference in March.
Scholars
Alumni received an early preview of the new 2020 scholars as they were announced in Parliament on 5 November to 78 guests comprising of investing partners and industry leaders. The 2020 cohort (scholar names and bios here) have already started their 15 month programme with a full two days on 4 & 5 December in Wellington receiving their NZ and Industry briefing, in preparation of their role as NZ Ambassadors.
Meanwhile the 2019 Scholars (featured in this newsletter) delivered a fantastic forum to sponsors and Board on their global insights followed by a teaser of their research topic outcomes in a short presentation at Parliament as part of the Awards function. Recent scholars will remember the pressure of ‘that’ summer writing the Nuffield report, but this group are under a little more pressure having to deliver to the Nuffield NZ Conference on 20th & 21 March. (See the list of topics to be presented by 2018 & 2019 Scholars here).
Nuffield Alumni Recognised
Our recent scholars have been doing us proud with some impressive appointments and acknowledgements. Firstly Mel Poulton (Nuffield 2014 alumni) was announced as the replacement for Mike Peterson (Kellogg alumni) to the role of NZ’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Minister for Trade & Export. Lucy Griffiths was appointed to the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures), Independent Investment Advisory Panel who have a big job distributing $40m of government funding.
2017 Scholar, Mat Hocken became the first kiwi to receive the Rabobank Emerging Leader Award at a formal function in Auckland on 28 November. Watch Mats video here. Mats recognition came after that of Jim Geltch who was awarded the 2018 Rabobank Leadership Award so again putting Nuffield ‘in lights’.
New Investing Partner Announced
In conjunction with the recent Rabobank Awards, Rabobank NZ announced a new partnership with Rural Leaders as a Programme Partner. This finally secures a banking partner for the organisation. Rabobank was the logical and best fit as a banking partner as a truly agricultural focused bank and a cooperative with a strong history of association. Both parties are looking forward to growing the relationship and alumni support.
Meanwhile MPI have also recently re-signed as a Programme Partner of Rural Leaders and a partner with the Triennial and we thank them for their support and that of the Minister, Damien O’Connor.
Alumni Regional Event Plans
After the six successful Regional Alumni events held this year we have plans to extend this next year into 6 different regions in May and June. The seminars connect together our alumni across both programmes, our investing partners and potential new scholars as well as provide an opportunity to hear some recent research from a local Kellogg or Nuffield scholar.
Alongside the 6 new regions we will be trialling locally coordinated seminars in 1 – 2 regions from last year, expanding the focus.
Update on the Triennial is included in this newsletter. We are thrilled with the level of support of NZ alumni and industry as we host this large event. A key focus for Chairman Michael Tayler and myself has been in securing sponsor partners for the Triennial. An event of this size requires significant industry support and it has been fantastic to see this coming from our existing and some new partners.
2019 Year Highlights
As we finish 2019, it is great to reflect on the highlights of the last 12 months.
‘Behind the Scenes’
Continued support and contribution of our investing Strategic and Programme Partners to our programmes and their promotion which has meant a financially sustainable organisation.
Exciting new appointments to the Board and Management team
‘Delivering on our Purpose’
Graduated 54 industry leaders with 54 new pieces of rural research for industry
Delivered 6 regional alumni events as a first up initiative to engage ongoing thought leadership and connection at regional level
Hosted a Nuffield International GFP New Zealand leg in Nelson & Marlborough in April and scholars rated it the best part of their 6 week programme – thanks to our alumni hosts John Palmer, Julian Raine, Murray King, Andy Elliot, John Murphy and Hamish Murray and family.
A year’s activity putting together an incredible 11 day Nuffield2020 programme that includes 27 separate field trip options, access to iconic stations and an international Summit by Michael Tayler and his Organising team
‘In the Public view’
Current and recent scholars active in Industry presentations and industry advisory groups including a Global Insights Forum with investing partners from 2019 Scholars
Increased significantly the media coverage and exposure of Kellogg & Nuffield projects supported by our media partnerships with $145,000 value
Ongoing features of Kellogg and Nuffield alumni in On Farm Stories
Kellogger Lisa Portas, scheduled for Country Calendar programme early in 2020.
Recognition of the Team
Our vision of “Confident Rural Leaders Fit for the Future” and the achievement of the steps toward this could not be achieved without the ongoing contribution and dedication of the following:
Rural Leaders Team: CEO, Anne Hindson, Programme Coordinator Lisa Rogers, Marketing & Comms Manager Tamney Hoyle, Kellogg Programme Leader Scott Champion, Kellogg Project Advisor Patrick Aldwell & Nuffield Advisor, Hamish Gow.
The Trustees: Andrew Watters (Chair), Hamish Fraser, Michael Tayler, James Parsons, Craige Mackenzie, Louise Webster, Associate Rebecca Hyde
United States – Czech Republic – Bulgaria – Romania – Qatar – Kenya
The Global Focus Orogramme (GFP) was an incomparable opportunity to see a diversity of agriculture in across a variety of countries. We were given candid insight into our hosts businesses, operations, motivations for being in agriculture and what they want to give back, even bringing our group of nine scholars into their homes for a cup of tea, meal or a drink.
These frank and open conversations were some of the highlights for me personally, where some hosts would openly discuss some of their business and personal challenges in agriculture. I found these moments golden, particularly in the middle of a leadership development opportunity as the Nuffield Scholarship. But it was gratifying to give back to some hosts in helping in their current challenges with the varied opinions and experiences of the nine scholars.
Travelling with the group of Nuffield scholars was invaluable experience and formed friendships that will last. After seeing some amazing and challenging aspects of global agriculture, the opportunity to discuss this with a diverse group of young agricultural leaders from different sectors and countries – Brazil, Canada, USA, Ireland and Australia (and Tasmania) – drew so much more out of the experience. We all had our different backgrounds, contexts and perspectives to bring to these discussions, and we need not agree – I’m writing this in the home of one of the scholars that we have some disagreements on fundamental elements of agriculture.
There was so much to see during the GFP through Washington DC, Kentucky, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Qatar and Kenya. It would be difficult to concisely describe just the highlights from each country so I have focused on a couple overarching observations from the two countries that were probably the most different from New Zealand – Qatar and Kenya.
Qatar
The context we were given on arrival to Qatar – other than the immense wealth of the small gulf state – was the shadow cast by the blockade. The blockade by many of Qatar’s neighbours has been in place since June 2017, impacting their previous food supply chain through countries such as Saudi Arabia. Food security was a major driver the majority food production and supply businesses we saw due to the very real and near threat of not being able to import food in a small desert nation.
After the initial awe of seeing some of these amazing agricultural feats – such as dairy farming and growing fodder in the desert – I got the impression that there was prestige than production in these operations. This was reinforced when we saw the largest grain importer and miller that had impressive logistical, processing and storage capability to maintain supply and volume – production was not a part it. Does livestock production count as food security when it is limited by the volume of imported feed? Would it not be simple to utilise the more efficient production from around the world and advance the logistical solutions and storage capability?
If you removed the heat and oxygen, some of the production might be what one would imagine farming on the moon may be. This pushing the boundaries of production are worth taking note as a demonstration of what is possible but, in the context of a variety of growing global social concerns around agriculture, may be limited in its impact.
However, in the position that Qatar has been put in, the prestige of these feats can be understood. Drawing a line in the sand, so to speak, to show what they can do despite of the imposition by their neighbours. Qatar’s response to this situation appeared to create a national pride and social inclusion in the achievements being made.
Kenya
An afternoon spent with Kenyan smallholders that are part of a collective, similar to our discussion group, set me straight on some of my assumptions that I had developed. We frequently saw some agricultural practices through central Europe and Kenya that would not be generally accepted in our own farming industries, but this group changed my view I had formed of smallholder and subsistence farming. The intensity and diversity of what they were able to do on such small plots was remarkable – but this may be also be a limitation – and were organised and actively seeking ways to improve their production and position.
We held a panel session with the smallholder collective and we were asked directly how they could become farmers that were able to travel the world like ourselves. A common view from our Nuffield group was simplifying their production to what works well and not trying to do everything and anything – one farm had dairy cattle, sheep, honey, pyrethrum, fruit, vegetables, chickens and fodder with the excess to be sold. However, as smallholders they were more exposed by a crop failure and require a level of diversity for security.
On reflection, I saw the infrastructure and economic limitations created by political climate was a significant hindrance on developing production and ability to trade. This is not a simple fix as impacts the wider economy and, despite some the frustrations we me have in our own countries, gave me a great appreciation for context we are able to operate and trade.
The second major eye-opener in Kenya also related to this political climate. We visited farming operations that had been established for a long time – whether multi-generational family farms, internationally funded agri-businesses or NGOs – which have invested in their local communities and introduce adapted and sustainable production methods to Kenyan agriculture. Each of these had either been or were currently involved in land invasions by graziers or land grabbers that can have violent or even lethal outcomes. The political climate often exacerbates or can drive these conflicts.
However, Kenya has a young population that is more and more educated, and, while there was some significant signs of poverty – such as the largest slum in Africa – there was large growth in relative affluence. The combination of increasing wealth and a young educated population coming through generates huge potential for their economy – if they can overcome some of their institutional handbrakes.
The GFP has been transformative for myself. It has raised more questions than were answered of my understanding of global agriculture, but my understanding and empathy of the situations in which these questions are formed has expanded immensely. While not perfect, I have a greater appreciation of the circumstances that the New Zealand agriculture sector can operate in and that we can deliver to the world.
Singapore – Philippines – Hong Kong – China – Germany – United States
Reflecting on six weeks traveling
around the world with our China GFP group and the opportunity to contrast Asia,
Europe and America, I am struck not by the differences between countries or
continents but more importantly the similarities. I observed relationships and
trust are common to success anywhere in the world and the importance innovation
and adaptability has for surviving and thriving.
Singapore
On the 5th of June I
joined nineteen other scholars in Singapore for a brief introduction of South
East Asia and it was quickly illustrated the size and impact the region has on
our current and future markets. Singapore has and is positioning itself as an
independent and secure hub to facilitate trade in the area. It was also the
start of forming a bond with a group of diverse individuals from different
backgrounds spanning different production systems and seven different
countries.
Philippines
Manilla and the Philippines was the
breakaway, providing our smaller group of ten a brief but exciting stop, not
only for the cheep beer and food but a quick insight into what much of the SE
Asian region is still like, managing its way through developmental projects as
it lifts population out of subsistence. Visiting the International Rice Research
Institute we learnt that over four billion people every day rely on rice as a
stable challenging me to consider my own lack of knowledge of such a
significant part of the worlds food equation.
Hing Kong, SAR China
Hong Kong into the middle of Human
Right protests gave an insightful view of the main event China, and our building anticipation continued. Our
group had begun to form into a cohesive unit, efficient use of public
transport, coordinated logistics, more concentrated questioning and inquiry and
the ability to adapt to the challenges presented, showed we were becoming a
great team holding us in good stead for the remainder of our travel.
China
Having visited Shanghai once
previously it was exciting to see many of the groups perceptions shattered on
discovery that it is a clean, organised and developed city (albeit with
26million people).
Introductions with MLA, ADM etc amongst
the others from the ANZ, Cotton Inc, JWM, CBH and Syngenta over the last ten
days had given the obligatory introductions so with the excitement of kids is a
toyshop we rode a bullet train at 315km/ hr for Qihe in the Shandong province.
The size and scale of China became
evident as we witnessed the changes moving north and inland. Highways with
several lanes in either direction, multi number high rise complexes popping up
and the efficiency of nearing 30,000 km of high speed rail network built in the
last decade were all on show making the fact that China has used more concrete
in the three years than the USA the did in the entire 20th century
very real and relevant.
The realisation that there are two
separate economies in China, became evident as we confronted the existing
subsistence of small holdings in rural areas contrasted with enormous dairy
farms and processing facilities. This acted as a metaphor illustrating
difference between the large developed coastal cities and large parts of rural
China growing at quite separate rates. We learned that in 40 years China has
gone from 17.9% to 58.5% urbanised meaning a shift of some 640 million people
to urban areas. Following a similar trend of urbanisation, another 15-20% means
approximately another 220-250 million shifting to Cities in the ten years
(equal to about two thirds of the current US population).
Seeing the importance of trade
within China between its people and regions, and accounting for the fact China
has approximately 1.4 billion people and only 7% of the worlds arable land. It
became evident we need China as much as China needs the world. We encountered
willing and open people, doing good business in the ways similar to all of our
countries. Sharing a formal meal with a group of officials it became obvious
the importance of relationships and how they are formed. Like anywhere in the
world the level of that trust facilitates the exchange, however it is the
cultural diversity or rituals around the way in which that trust its formed
that differs between people.
European Union, Germany & Ireland
Inner Mongolia and Beijing rounded out China before jumping into Europe and the precision and efficiency of Germany. We were fortunate to see some of the contrasts between east and west as we travelled from one to the other. This allowed us to gain some insight into the challenges facing further eastern bloc countries and when overcome their potential for large scale production of food.
The role of the EU was evident as we toured Germany and Ireland but what became obvious was that successful enterprises has mastered their production in a two to three areas and continued to innovate at the edges. I was particularly impressed by the way these successful businesses demonstrated fast feedback loops created providing useful information to launch or pivot when changes arose.
Washington, DC
Our two GFP Groups combined once
again, this time in Washington DC to come face to face with the position the
USA has and continues to play on a global geopolitical spectrum. It was cool to
catch up with a similar Nuffield group and share our experience as it
highlighted how much we have seen and how close the experience of a Nuffield
GFP brought our particular group together. A welcomed rest day could have been
used to recharge or some time to ourselves but we unconsciously chose to come together, spending the time riding lime
scooters visiting the sites of the Capitol!
I will never understand the
complexity of the US and its political system, especially in three short days
but some context from meetings with Senators, lobbyists and the USDA allowed
insights not many get the opportunity to have. However, I came away thinking
again that USA is an enormous engine with many hierarchical layers, entrenched
views and complex processes of government so that like an aircraft carrier it
has very little ability to change direction and when it does only one degree at
a time.
Texas, United States
If Iowa was the start of our
Nuffield in March, Texas provided the perfect book end. Over six weeks we met
many proud and passionate people sharing their businesses and stories. None
more so than Texans which highlighted an observation that a strong sense of
identity provides real power in a market. The Chinese had very a strong sense
of being Chinese despite incredible diversity, the truly Irish – Irish brand
capturing value for what we recognise from Ireland, and Go Texan slogan all
illustrating shared history and values for those regions. My observation is
that we are all individuals but get a real sense of motivation and engagement
from belonging to a team and in these last two cases has translated to market
positioning from combined effort.
Over six weeks visiting farm businesses, industry bodies and political institutions were heard talk all over the world of the challenges being faced with environmental regulation, the growing disconnect with agriculture, human resource limitations, no succession planning, undervalued food or lack of profitability in our farming enterprises just to name a few, which brings me back to where this started. I am struck by the similarities the agricultural world is facing.
The problems and challenges all over the world over are the same, just they are dressed in different clothes.
I have been very fortunate to contrast seven countries and three continents in six weeks with a group of intelligent agriculturalists. They have helped me to look at things from different angles and to process what we have seen, at each stage challenging me to ask a better question with new information gathered!
We could never hope to have understand the world in that time, or find the answers to questions but what I am incredibly grateful for is the knowledge, experience and insights gained to continue learning and asking better questions!
GFP Brazil: Seven International Scholars, Six Weeks, Five Countries
Washington DC
At the conclusion of the Nuffield conference in Iowa, our
GFP group left the melting snow and ice for Washington DC. The political engine
in the US is both impressive and scary. We met with many agricultural lobby
groups and the US Department of Agriculture. Trade is at the top of the agenda
with many still supporting the full fair and free trade message despite the
pain inflicted on the rural communities by the current trade war with China.
Interim subsidy programs are in place to keep farmers happy but on the day of
our departure the administration announced cuts to farmer support programs,
including crop insurance, in an effort to cut spending. My key learnings came
from the experienced Washington players.
Focus
your messaging on the ‘movable middle’ population
Having
experience being lobbied makes you a better lobbyist.
Politics
is all about networks
The NZ
Embassy in Washington has a great bar in the basement for networking.
Florida
Down the coast in Florida we saw a state that is aiming to
take over from California as the produce capital of the US. We saw blueberries,
carrots, tomatoes, sweetcorn, nuts all grown on large scale and timed to fit
into a value window where, for a few weeks each year, Florida is the source of
produce for the major US supermarkets. Most family farmers are at the mercy of
brokers and manufacturers for pricing but a few are looking to innovative
marketing ideas of their own (Satsuma chapstick anyone?).
I was very impressed with the community extension service
of the University of Florida. Their experienced agents have created outstanding
demonstrations, facilities, programs and guides to pass on the University’s
research and knowledge to farmers and the general community. Despite the US
administration’s current views on climate change, the University is performing
research on GHG mitigation, particularly with animals, that we should watch
closely. Key Florida lessons
Controlling
more of the value chain is more profitable but requires more capital, risk and
knowledge.
Focus
on your window of value in the market.
Don’t
be afraid to try something completely new
Farm
near a beach – it helps with managing stress
Mexico
The visit to Mexico was very short with two days spent at
CIMMYT, the wheat research facility near Obregon. The farmer run facility is
completely a not-for-profit that develops parent genetics of wheat to breeders
around the world. They also run plant breeder training programs and help the
local farmers of Sonoma State with everything from agronomic advice to irrigation
infrastructure. We also visited a local grain cooperative and finished off with
a walking tour of Mexico City. The history of this city is amazing having being
built on the ruins of the Aztec empire. The blending of the native bloodlines
with the colonising Spanish is creating a modern challenge in defining the
nations identity not unlike our own.
Key Mexican lessons:
Farming
doesn’t always have to be about making a dollar (or peso).
There
is a bright future for well-run cooperatives.
Pride
in your identity is a powerful marketing message.
Brazil
Our Brazilian leg started in the capital Brasilia, a city of 4 million people that was just farmland sixty years ago. It was founded as the development of Brazilian land headed east away from the coast during a time when much of central and northern Brazil was opened up for agriculture. In the 1970s Brazilian farming families from the south moved north to open up farmland for cropping with new technology and financial incentives. With so much land available, family farms in this area now often exceed 50,000 ha.
With land development came pressure on natural resources, particularly the rainforest and soils. Brazilian farmers and government have responded quickly to these issues with 60% of all crops in Brazil now using no till systems and a Forestry Code that protects large tracts of the native rainforest. There is also a great awareness among farmers of how the Amazon forest contributes to the highly valued rainfall patterns in Brazil.
We saw a range of highly developed, innovative and massive
farming operations that are held back by a lack of political stability and
logistics to move produce to port. If these two issues were to be resolved,
Brazil would rival any country in the world as an agricultural powerhouse.
Key lessons from Brazil:
Our
natural environment is important for our own success and for our public
reputation. We must work harder to protect it. If Brazil can do it so can we.
NZ
exports competing on price or volume has a limited life
Genetic
engineering is at the core of Brazilian agriculture development. Would we be
left behind without it?
Netherlands
Our tour of the Netherlands focused on the centre of the
country with visits to pig, dairy, flower and vegetable farms. To me the
country was one big garden and a testament to the innovative thinking of the
Dutch – intricate drainage networks, reclaimed land, robotic dairies, wind
turbines, fields of glass houses (even a university inside a glass house).
Digging into the success of Dutch agriculture two key
factors emerge.
Animal
based agriculture in the Netherlands relies on cheap imported (GE) grains
through the local port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport.
A
European customer base of over 500 million people all within easy trucking
distance of the Netherlands and all within a single customs market (EU).
The Netherlands has an input based environmental regulation
(e.g. stocking rate and fertiliser rate limits) compared to New Zealand’s
output based regulation (you can do what-ever you like so long as you don’t
leach above a certain number). The result appears to be a tick box exercise to
get the environmental subsidy without a deeper understanding of why the
practices are important or what else farmers could be doing to improve
environmental outcomes. For example soil moisture monitoring was not common
under irrigation nor were buffer strips used to prevent sediment runoff.
Key lessons from the Netherlands:
Technology
and innovation can overcome nearly any obstacle
Look
for your unique advantages and exploit them.
Be
wary of statistics – Netherlands is Europe’s largest ag exporter but only
because it imports a third of that produce through Rotterdam (the Netherlands
exported $500 million of bananas last year but didn’t grow a single one.)
Output
based environmental regulation is a greater challenge to implement but creates
a better long term outcome than input based regulation.
New
Zealand
The final week of the GFP was spent in the Nelson and
Marlborough regions touring previous Nuffielder’s innovative farming
operations.
Andy Elliot (2018 Scholar) introduced us to aquaculture at
the Cawthron Institute and Wakatu. Cawthron Institute is a pioneer in shellfish
spat production. Wakatu, a shining example of the booming Maori economy, grows
out the shellfish in the Marlborough Sounds and has developed its story into a
successful brand and 500 year business plan.
Julian Raine (1997 Scholar) showed us Wai West
Horticulture, a multiple family owned business growing apples, kiwifruit and
boysenberries near Nelson. He is currently exploring nutraceutical applications
of the fruit in China. Julian’s other projects include his role on the Primary
Sector Council (a concept the other scholars were very impressed with) and
Oakland Dairies. Oakland Dairies milks a small herd on the Nelson city boundary
and provides most of the food service outlets in Nelson with A2 milk in glass
bottles. There are also a few local vending machines which are very popular
with the locals. His Aunt Jeans brand is distributing the milk nationwide.
Murray King (2003 Scholar) has strong ties to dairy and is
particularly proud of his latest joint venture Appleby Farms, an ice cream
producer in Nelson. Appleby has clocked up a string of successes since
launching in 2017. A New Zealand gold medal ice cream award within 12 months
and is now available in 380 stores in
New Zealand. I would recommend the Bad Boys and Berries (Boysenberry) flavour!
John Palmer (1989 Scholar) has had the odd governance role
in New Zealand but is now focused on his family farm growing pip fruit, hops
and kiwifruit in Nelson. He also introduced us to the McCashin family hop
operation, an inspiring story of growth and innovation in a niche market.
Hamish Murray’s (2019 scholar) family farm Bluff Station
near Kekerengu suffered massive damage in the Kaikoura earthquake but is
rebuilding into a strong, multigenerational family business. As is John Murphy
(2014 Scholar) who is growing family business Marlborough Garlic into a
producer of high quality garlic and shallots while always looking for new
opportunities (keep an eye out for Garlic Noir).
A flying visit to Wellington to visit Ministers O’Conner
and Shaw to talk the future of farming, and stops at MPI’s economic research
unit and Beef and Lamb to discuss strategy and Taste Pure Nature left us all
feeling very impressed with the state of NZ ag and the other GFP scholars
looking at the local real estate ads in the hopes of moving here!
Key lessons from New Zealand
Farmers
tend to like working on their own but the success of the business we saw relied
on strong partnerships and teams.
Tell
your story using six words (Thanks for the advice Julian!)
Kiwi
hospitality is second to none.
The GFP experience highlighted to me the diversity in opportunities and challenges that exist in agriculture around the world. Ultimately most agricultural markets were trying to do two things – at a macro level, feed 9 billion mouths by 2050 while at a micro level, add value to produce to generate greater profitability. And achieve both while minimising environmental impact.
New Zealand is as well placed as any nation to achieve this goal.
Many thanks to the many farmers, businesses, organisers and
sponsors who made this experience possible and to my GFP travel mates who
shared many insights, experiences and laughs along the way.
I look forward to my personal travel where the real work begins!
This update for December through to April summarises the
activities of NZRLT which is the operational arm of both Nuffield and Kellogg
programmes.
With the recruitment period for 2020 Nuffield scholars and
the 2020 Kellogg programmes about to kick off, word of mouth and encouragement
from those who have completed the programmes are still the prime drivers of
quality and diverse applicants so we hope you will all take time to approach
some emerging leaders and encourage them to apply for these life changing
experiences.
The 2019 scholars announced in the November E Nuff are well
into their programme having undertaken a two day NZ briefing in early December
which enabled the group to bond, be briefed by industry and government on
global activities and priorities and put into practice some of the research and
reflection tools provided by Hamish Gow at their November orientation.
In January the group opted to do a 1.5-day leadership
workshop with the Course 39 ‘Kelloggers’ providing further tools and new
understanding of their own and others leadership styles and how to operate as a
team. The combined tools were well utilised at the Contemporary Scholars
Conference where the NZ scholars were sharing and coaching other international
scholars on these tools.
This April E Nuff provides the five scholar reflections on their CSC experience and the 5-day tour & business visits the group undertook between Chicago and Des Moines in Iowa which was the location for the 2019 CSC.
Meanwhile the 2018 scholars reports are just released after scholars spent the summer working on their draft and incorporating the feedback received. There is a lot of industry interest in the reports with requests for copies and speakers at industry events. As mentioned by Andrew, we are looking at how we leverage these leading insights and learnings together with our alumni to start making a difference.
Nuffield2020 is a huge undertaking for the organisation and
the hardworking committee with four events over 11 days. It will be vital that
NZ alumni support this event as country hosts but also in generating interest
by encouraging year cohorts and GFP groups to combine the event with a group
reunion but the invites and suggestions need to get out now!.
Having just attended the two day Grow 2019 Boma conference in Christchurch, with a few of our organising committee we have reflected on the content and focus of the one day Summit as a key component of Nuffield2020, and particularly ways to to differentiate it from other industry conferences. With the event open to Kellogg alumni and industry it is an opportunity to gain greater exposure for NuffieldNZ.
The website has just been updated with more details on the different events under Nuffield2020 so check out on https://www.nuffield2020.com/
Noting other NZRLT activities, The Kellogg Rural Leadership
Programme continues to attract high quality applicants and deliver great
networks, friendships and leadership skills on farm and in industry forums and
businesses. It is great to see the Kellogg alumni now in government (5 in total) and their willingness along with
Minister O’Connor to share experiences with the group.
In June, the 40th course of Kelloggers will be
welcomed onto the programme and this is a major milestone for the programme.
The cohort will receive different content to those who undertook the first
programme in 1979, reflecting the new leadership environment and skills needed
but the fundamental principles of the programme remain the same.
On the management front, in May we regretfully farewell Clara
Sweetman who has been our Marketing and Comms Contractor for the last 12 months
as her family move to Auckland. We are actively recruiting a replacement for
the role along with a newly created Event/Project Coordinator role to help with
regional seminars etc.
With the NZRLT financial year running between 1 April &
31 March we are just wrapping up the 2018-19 year financials and the Board &
I have been reviewing our strategy and new alumni initiatives as we plan for
the next twelve months.