Waikato

In the Te Rapa district of Hamilton, our tanker drivers know that every evening their biggest fan will be waiting for them on a dairy farm on Reid Road.

When you talk to Matamata dairy farmers Rod and Sandra McKinnon about environmental sustainability it’s easy to understand why the couple won the 2017/18 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Hadleigh Putt recently joined Fonterra as a Sustainable Dairying Adviser (SDA), becoming part of the largest team of sustainable advisers in the country. From on farm nutrient management advice to setting up farm environment plans, SDAs work one-on-one with farmers to assist with a broad range of sustainability-related farm matters to meet the Co-op’s and the dairy industry’s guidelines and requirements. Hadleigh shares his thoughts below.

A brief history of Fonterra’s Te Rapa location, which has had a massive impact on dairy production and the economy of surrounding Waikato. The site celebrates 50 years since its opening. Read more about how Te Rapa has been a place of employment, a home, and a community hub for New Zealanders over the years.

The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund offers grants to community initiatives throughout New Zealand. Learn about a recent recipient of grant money, the Transform Aotearoa Charitable Trust.

The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund offers money to hundreds of community organisations each year. Funding has gone to Hauraki Plains College, where students are renovating historical buildings and strengthening their bond with the surrounding community.

Lisa and Hamish Lile are dairy farmers who invite primary school children to visit their farm and learn more about agriculture. They find students to host through DairyNZ's Find a Farmer programme.

The Fonterra Grass Roots fund awards grants to over 300 community initiatives each year. The Raglan Surf Lifesaving Club will use their grant money to purchase new helmets for members as they drive vehicles and save lives in the water. Read more about their work on our website.

Jacob Babu is a Division Manager at MilkTest NZ, and is featured in our upcoming video about the people who contribute to Fonterra dairy. We talked to Jacob about his love for science and history with Fonterra.