Silver Fern Farms has confirmed that Anna Nelson will replace chairperson Rob Hewett following the cooperative's annual meeting on May 8.

Nelson, who grew up in Cheviot and now farms in the King Country, is looking forward to leading a unified board and working closely with shareholders and suppliers through the current challenges in the market.

"Right across our supply chain, everyone is feeling the pinch from current global market conditions. Global red meat demand is flat, and we're seeing large volumes of competing protein from the likes of Brazil and Australia," Nelson said.

"And as a farmer myself, I know our farmer suppliers are feeling the pressure on farmgate pricing alongside higher input costs and interest rates."

Nelson said that while the drop in commodity pricing has pulled everyone down, in areas where the cooperative has invested in brands and their customers, they have held value relative to the commodity product.

"While we've still got a way to go yet, the closer we can get to the end consumer, and the more we invest in partnerships across our supply chain, the more value we can capture and return to our suppliers and shareholders."

Nelson said that the attributes of New Zealand pastoral systems resonate with global consumers, but sometimes education is needed so different markets understand New Zealand farming practices.

"Our natural, nature-positive farming contrasts with protein supplied from increasingly intensive farming systems globally.

"New Zealand farmers also make a significant contribution to our local communities and the broader New Zealand economy, which also sets us apart from other farming nations.

"However, because our extensive red meat farming system is reasonably unique, it does mean we have to work that bit harder to explain it to consumers in markets such as parts of the US who might be used to different farming systems."

Nelson, who was appointed to the Silver Fern Farms board in 2021, said she feels privileged to take on the role of chairperson.

"Farming has always been part of my life, and I'm grateful for all the opportunities I've had. Over the years, I've done a few courses, including the Kellogg Rural Leadership programme and several Silver Fern Farms governance development programs. I also served as an Associate Director on the Beef + Lamb Board."

With the cooperative also recently appointing a new chief executive, Dan Boulton, the board has determined that outgoing chairperson Rob Hewett will remain an appointed director for a short period to ensure a smooth transition.

"While the new Chair and chief executive will each bring fresh perspectives and focus, ultimately, the board is united behind Silver Fern Farms' strategy and direction of travel, and it's important we keep momentum until the new changes are embedded," Hewett said.

"From our experience around the board table, the board and I have a great deal of confidence that Anna will be an exceptional chair.

"Despite the prevailing market conditions we're experiencing, we are going into the next period in good health and with a clear focus."

by Claire Inkson