Latest news with #KelloggRuralLeadershipProgramme
NZ Herald
01-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
On The Up: Waikato's Jo Sheridan is Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2025
Sheridan was recognised for her outstanding passion and advocacy for the dairy sector. Dairy Women's Network trustee and lead judge Jenna Smith said Sheridan brought unstoppable energy, big-picture thinking, and a fierce commitment to making things better for people, animals, and the future of farming. 'She doesn't just talk about change; she rolls up her sleeves and makes it happen. 'Jo is tackling complex industry challenges while passionately championing and empowering young people and innovation. 'For those that know her – and a lot of people do – they know that she is a humble and generous leader, showcasing courage, clarity, and heart'. Sheridan, based in Pirongia, advocates inspiring young people to join the dairy sector. She oversees a 140ha dairy farm (Owl Farm), a commercial venture at St Peter's School where young people can walk straight onto the farm and see firsthand the joy of farming. The farm also opens regularly for visitor days, bringing dairy farming to the whole community. Growing up on a dairy farm in South Taranaki, she developed a deep appreciation for agriculture, later earning a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Soil Science from Massey University. With over 24 years of experience, Sheridan has worked in various roles at DairyNZ, and served as an independent industry consultant before becoming the demonstration manager at Owl Farm. Beyond farming, Sheridan is active in governance, serving on school boards and industry committees. Her leadership, innovation, and mentorship make her a transformative force in New Zealand's dairy sector. Anne Douglas, Fonterra's group director for Farm Source, who was part of the judging panel this year, said the calibre and depth of talent across all the nominations and finalists shows the strength of women right across the industry. 'We're thrilled to see Jo recognised as the winner of the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award,' she said. 'Jo is a passionate and visionary leader who has proven to have a significant positive impact on stakeholders, partners, communities and farmers. 'It was clear through the process that she adopts a holistic approach, with a clear focus on sustainability and desire to empower others, especially young people. 'Jo's authenticity and strategic leadership extend beyond the dairy industry into broader communities, and this recognition feels like just the beginning of even more incredible achievements for her.' Sheridan will receive a scholarship to be part of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. The scholarship covers the programme fee, travel and accommodation, mentoring and access to Dairy Women's Network and Fonterra platforms to share research. Judges also acknowledged the other two finalists, Frances Beeston and Lara Sutton. Beeston, a Canterbury farmer, advocates for mental health and wellbeing in rural communities, with a strong vision to normalise support systems like the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) across the dairy sector. As a grounded, empathetic and collaborative leader, she brings people together to create safe, connected spaces where everyone can thrive. With proven leadership through Rural Support and Mycoplasma bovis response, she is committed to making a lasting impact. Sutton, Waikato farmer, lawyer and the Strategy and Commercial Partnerships manager at DairyNZ, is a humble, values-led leader who creates impact through collaboration, connection, and quiet influence. With a deep understanding of the dairy industry and an interest in mentoring others, she brings people together to focus on shared purpose and long-term change. Her leadership style is characterised by transformational thinking, empathy, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections across the dairy sector.
Otago Daily Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Former B+L boss on the move to arable sector
Dr Scott Champion is replacing Dr Alison Stewart as chief executive of the industry body Foundation for Arable Research. Photo: FAR Former Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Dr Scott Champion will take over the leadership of the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR). Dr Champion takes on the role on July 1, replacing Dr Alison Stewart who will pursue semi-retirement after seven years at the helm. Chairman Steven Bierema said Dr Champion's skills were well matched for the developing needs of the arable industry and its growers. "Scott has been involved with the New Zealand and Australian food and fibre industries for 25 years, holding leadership and governance roles in research, tertiary education, marketing and industry good and has strong networks across agribusiness, government and other sectors. Dr Champion is a founding partner of consulting company Primary Purpose, the programme director of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. The former B+LNZ chief executive also led the New Zealand Meat Board. Mr Bierema said this experience would be invaluable to FAR and its growing levy payers. Dr Champion said he was looking forward to supporting arable farmers as they worked through many challenges and opportunities facing the industry. "Growers are dealing with a lot; understanding everything from how to reduce environmental impacts to meeting customer and consumer needs, and of course, remaining profitable. I've been involved in developing strategies and programmes to address some of these issues in both arable and other food and fibre industries, and look forward to working with and supporting growers and the broader arable industry." Dr Stewart plans to plans to fill semi-retirement with science advisory and agricultural consultancy work and will continue to represent agency boards as a director, as well as building a new home at Governor's Bay. Among many small wins, she counts establishing the investment fund Cultivate Ventures the most satisfying as few thought it would get off the ground. In the initial fundraiser FAR fronted $3 million as the cornerstone investor with a total of about $9 million raised. A second capital raise is going out to larger agricultural agencies with the goal of raising $20m. FAR is the research organisation for arable growers, funded by grower money in three levies.
Otago Daily Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
New CEO to champion FAR
Scott Champion Former Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Dr Scott Champion will take over the leadership of the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR). Dr Champion starts work on July 1, replacing Dr Alison Stewart, who will semi-retire after seven years at the helm. Chairman Steven Bierema said Dr Champion's skills were well matched with the developing needs of the arable industry and its growers. "Scott has been involved with the New Zealand and Australian food and fibre industries for 25 years, holding leadership and governance roles in research, tertiary education, marketing and industry and has strong networks across agribusiness, government and other sectors." Dr Champion is a founding partner of consulting company Primary Purpose and the programme director of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. The former B+LNZ chief executive also led the New Zealand Meat Board. Mr Bierema said this experience would be invaluable to FAR and its growing levy payers. Dr Champion said he was looking forward to supporting arable farmers as they worked through many challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Dr Stewart plans to fill semi-retirement with science advisory and agricultural consultancy work and continue to represent agency boards as a director, as well as building a new home at Governor's Bay. FAR is the research organisation for arable growers, funded by grower money in three levies. — APL
