Third Candidate Confirmed for Feds President Election
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
The government’s launch this week of a strategy for the future of farming will encourage farmers, says Federated Farmers president Katie Milne.
Read: Dairy, beef sectors welcome sector-wide vision.
She says farmers will continue with the work they are already doing, constantly focusing on improving their farming operations.
It is particularly pleasing to see the focus in the Primary Sector Council’s vision on the need to develop a mindset that embraces science, technology, research and development, Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says.
"I was also pleased to see the focus on infrastructure in here.
"It’s these things that will underpin delivery of the vision at the ground level. While the word sustainability is not used we’ll all identify with the strategy as what we have been working towards - sustainability on all levels - whether it’s our environment, animal welfare, on farm biodiversity, or the financial sustainability of farm businesses and rural communities.
The Primary Sector Council’s vision aligns with the Maori concept of Taiao, which is about having a close bond with the natural world.
"Most farmers can happily identify with this concept, and understand its implications. It’s a good platform to go forward from," Milne says.
"The key will be of course how this new entity will take those it targets with them on this journey."
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.