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Rob Hewett - Chair
Rob is a sixth generation New Zealand sheep and beef farmer. He has farmed in the Clutha District since 2002, running a 960 hectare sheep and beef breeder-finisher operation with wind farm and forestry interests.
Gray Baldwin
Gray Baldwin and his wife Marilyn winter milk 850 cows, on an all-autumn calving system, on their 713ha property near Lichfield in South Waikato. The property includes substantial areas of maize and forestry land.
Chris Dennison
Chris Dennison has extensive experience as a director, including Chair of Network Waitaki. He was formerly Deputy Chair of Ravensdown Fertiliser, Chair of the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company, and Chair of Tracmap Ltd. He and his wife Kay run a 450-hectare arable farm, with an adjacent dairy farm milking 800 cows and producing 360,000 kilograms of milk solids.
Dr Claire Nicholson - (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Kahungnunu)
Claire has a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and after 12 years in clinical practice took on the role of General Manager at Intervet NZ, followed by a business development role at Agrifeeds. She is currently Chief Executive of Sirona Animal Health Ltd.
Will Clarke
Elected to the Board in 2023, Will is a passionate, hands-on dairy and beef farmer from Clinton in South Otago. He is focused on helping shape a strong and profitable Farmlands, considering it an essential part of the success of farmers and growers like himself.
Dawn Sangster
Dawn has served on the board of meat company Alliance Group since 2012, and therefore brings considerable experience from the boardroom of a farmers’ co-operative.
Independent Directors
Julie Bohnenn
Julie joined the Farmlands Board in 2017 as an Independent Director and is Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. As a Professional Director, Julie’s other governance roles include being Chair of J. Ballantyne and Co Ltd, and Independent Director of Forté Health Ltd and Sention Ltd.
John Journee
John has had an extensive executive and governance career, the majority of which has been in the retail and technology sectors. His experience includes 20 years with The Warehouse Group, starting as a joint-venture partner in 1990 and progressing through senior roles in operation, marketing, merchandise and to his current position as non-executive Director.
Mark O'Donnell
Mark joined the Farmlands Board in 2023 as an Independent Director and is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. Mark’s other current governance roles include Independent Director of Fingermark, J. Ballantyne and Co and Primary Collaboration New Zealand which represents the shareholders in a New Zealand collaboration business based in Shanghai.
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Our History
Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited was born from the desire of everyday farmers to work together to get themselves a better deal.