increase font size
Federated Farmers has paid tribute to David Shearer, who this afternoon resigned as the Labour leader.
Feds president Bruce Wills says it is saddened to hear about Shearer's departure.
The Feds enjoyed a very good working relationship with Shearer, he says.
"The first external board David Shearer met with, on becoming Labour leader, was Federated Farmers," he says.
Shearer was also the after-dinner speaker at Federated Farmers National Awards in Auckland last year. Several weeks ago, Wills launched the Feds' 2013 Local Government Manifesto with him on the steps of Parliament.
"Being an apolitical body, Federated Farmers will work constructively with whoever is elected as the new Labour leader. A leadership change presents Labour with an opportunity to review its current policies.
"We hope the new leader will share Federated Farmers outlook that building off our primary industries is a huge opportunity for New Zealand; domestically and internationally.
"Federated Farmers will work positively with the new Labour leader on policies that advance New Zealand as a dynamic, progressive and outwards facing nation," says Wills.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to highlight the most troublesome farm pests – a serious issue that needs some urgent attention from the Beehive.
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
OPINION: If the hand-wringing, cravat and bow-tie wearing commentariat of a left-leaning persuasion had any influence on global markets, we'd…
OPINION: With Winston Peters playing politics with the PM's Indian FTA, all eyes will be on Labour who have the…
