NZYF launches employer supporter membership for rural businesses
New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) has launched a new initiative designed to make it easier for employers to support their young team members by covering their NZYF membership.
Danielle Hovmand has been announced as the 2024 recipient of the New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Contiki Local Legend Award.
The award celebrates NZYF members who demonstrate dedication to their community, the primary industry, and the NZYF network.
Among her contributions, Hovmand led the 2021 Morrinsville-Ngarua Young Farmers Naked Calendar fundraiser, raising $10,000, and initiated the 2023 Community Quiz Night, which generated $30,000 for local causes.
She has volunteered for events like the Morrinsville Fireworks Show and Christmas Parade and organized Pink Ribbon Breakfasts to support breast cancer awareness.
Her primary sector advocacy work includes the promotion of Ag Days, speaking at schools, and participating in A& P shows.
She has also collaborated with groups like the Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers, Lions Club, and local schools in an effort to create lasting community connections and showcase the role Young Farmers play in supporting rural New Zealand.
Hovmand says she is excited to receive the award.
“A massive thank you to Contiki and NZ Young Farmers for this epic opportunity! I cannot wait to head off overseas at the end of the season,” she says.
“Being a part of Young Farmers has been such a big part of my life over the past few years, and I’m so grateful for the incredible people I’ve met, the lasting friendships formed, and the chance to give back to my community,” she adds.
As the 2024 Contiki Local Legend, Danielle has won a $5,000 Contiki travel voucher.
Farm software outfit Trev has released new integrations with LIC, giving farmers a more connected view of animal performance across the season and turning routine data capture into actionable farm intelligence.
Crafting a successful family succession plan is a notoriously hard act to pull off.
Farmers need not worry about fertiliser supply this autumn but the prices they pay will depend on how the Middle East conflict plays out.
American butter undercutting New Zealand's own product on New Zealand supermarket shelves appears to be a case of markets working as they should, says Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).
Tech savvy Huntly farmer Rhys Darby believes technology could help solve one of the dairy industry's pressing problems - how to attract more young people into farming.
Fonterra farmers will be smiling all the way to the bank next month.

OPINION: Election years are usually regarded as the silly season, but a mate of the Hound reckons 2026 is shaping…
OPINION: If farmers poured just a few litres of some pollutant into a stream, the Green Party and the wider…