Smith lost to Kate Acland, Ashburton, who received 5303 votes to Smith’s 2522 votes.

Acland, who runs Mt Somers Station, will be the new B+LNZ farmer director for Northern South Island district. She has previously served as an associate director.

King Country sheep and beef farmer Martin Coup was re-elected farmer director for the Northern North Island. Coup received 5,287 votes while opposing candidate Gray Baldwin received 4,740 votes.

B+LNZ chair Andrew Morrison has extended his congratulations to the successful candidates.

“Firstly, I want to thank Phil Smith for his contribution to B+LNZ. 

“He has done an excellent job in keeping the board grounded, focused on the needs of famers, and has also built great relationships for the organisation in the US market with his heavy commitment to the Tri-Lamb programme.

“I’d also like to congratulate Martin Coup for his re-election and welcome Kate Acland onto the board.

“As a farmer-led organisation, the directors' participation in the governance of B+LNZ is vital to ensure we continue to deliver for our sheep and beef farmers,” says Morrison.