John Cochrane was made a Life Member of AngusNZ at the AGM in March 2024.
Jane Allan wrote the following to acknowledge the time and effort he has put into the breed and its breed society over many years.
Angus NZ herd number 11320 belongs to Delmont Angus, Willowburn Road, Clinton and was registered to the Angus NZ association in 1963 by Stuart Cochrane. The founding Angus breeding cows and heifers were purchased from varying studs such as Gordon Grieve Blackwood, JH Eason, FF Wilding, Norman Gent, AW Miller and so the journey began for the Delmont Angus entity.
At the National sale in 1989 Stuart purchased Waitapu Governor in partnership with Stern Angus for $49,000, word has it that the Cochrane boys John and Graham were not to impressed with this lofty genetic investment but when the cheques started arriving for semen sales, their minds soon changed, and the scene was set!
In the early days bulls from the Delmont Stud were sold at the Clinton yards before shifting to Charlton and then in 2002 the first on-farm sale was held at Delmont, under the helm of John.
In 1998 the first Inaugural Meeting was held for the combined Otago/Southland Angus Clubs where John Cochrane was nominated as Chairman, Lindsay Curruthers as Vice Chairman and an operating committee of 10. It was felt that having one Southern club rather than two entities within the southern area would benefit the region and help promote and coordinate the Angus Breed in the Deep South.
John was elected to the AngusNZ Board as a director in March 2015 and slotted into the Treasurer’s role where his skill set soon became apparent. In 2017 he became Vice Chairman and in 2018 was nominated as the Chairman of AngusNZ. This position at this time was not a portfolio for the faint hearted. The association needed leadership, guidance, along with Governance and integrity to be at the forefront of mind for the Association, to ensure AngusNZ retained the longstanding historical commitment that the Angus breed held within the beef industry of New Zealand. Johns’ knowledge of constitutional law proved valuable to the chore functionality of our Association, and he was instrumental in leading the adoption of the new constitution in November 2021.
What is the accountability of a company director? They are responsible for the operation, management and day to day affairs of the company. They are entrusted to act in the best interest of the company to ensure the best interest of all other members of the company. To also rely on others including professionals and third parties or outsiders for input as needed. AngusNZ appointed the first independent director under John’s chairmanship. Boards must lead and be accountable. To this level, John’s dependability, loyalty, honesty and respect has been unwavering. He is an individual who demonstrates integrity, strong moral and ethical principles to do the right thing.
Tracey, Jono and family – I thank you for sharing John with us, personally I know at times this role of Chairman has been challenging. But be assured the commitment John has made has been an investment to not only AngusNZ but the beef industry of NZ. We sit at the forefront of the Genetic Beef sector as a result of your leadership. Thank you.