McRae Wins Southern South Island B+LNZ Director Vote
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Southland drystock farmer Bernadette Hunt has scooped the 2020 primary industry’s leadership award.
The award, presented last night at the 2020 Primary Industries conference dinner in Wellington, recognises Hunt’s commitment to advocating for farming, particularly given her efforts to highlight the challenges farmers face nationwide measuring up to the government’s new freshwater regulations.
"Bernadette has the rare combination of having a clear vision of what’s right and wrong, being able to articulate a strong message and bring others on the journey. She absolutely leads by example," Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland said.
The Outstanding Contribution award, sponsored by Massey Ferguson and presented by chief executive Peter Scott, went to Beef and Lamb’s Rob Davison.
Other awards presented:
Science and Research Award, sponsored by Yashili: won by Plant and Food Research, for the Future Orchard Planting System.
Team Award, sponsored by Eagle Technology: Bioforce, Avian Empire and Tegel Foods, for Poultry Defender.
Innovation and Collaboration Award, sponsored by Norwood: Plant and Food Research, for Modular Harvesting System.
Industry Champion Award, sponsored by Federated Farmers: Wayne Langford and Siobhan O’Malley for ‘Meat the Need’
Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard thanked the sponsors for their support of the awards.
ACC says that this week's Fieldays is a great chance for farmers to pause and reflect on their processes and ensure that their life is in balance.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)will expand its First Farm support with a new funding boost designed to help more farmers and growers take their next step into farm ownership.
Westmorland Estate Ltd, a Waikato company running three dairy farms, runs on the philosophy that 'you are only as good as your team'.
AgriZeroNZ is ramping up efforts to accelerate the uptake of emissions reduction tools on farm with a new initiative to help more farmers put proven tools into practice.
With the general election just molnths away, farmers have launched a five-point plan for the next government.
The Government is investing in a range of initiatives designed to strengthen the resilience of rural communities and improve preparedness for future adverse events.

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