Budget 2026: Slim Pickings For the Rural Sector
In advance of the Budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis put a clear damper on expectations and delivered accordingly.
She becomes the second woman so elected following Jeanette Maxwell in 2011. Milne replaces David Rose, who has retired after serving for three years.
"I think Federated Farmers continues to set history given 29 percent of Federated Farmers Board is now female," says president Bruce Wills
"I guess we are well ahead of the 25 percent group launched recently to lift the number of woman serving on boards. It is important to stress our board members are elected on their merits as farm leaders so I am delighted to welcome Katie on-board.
"I'd like to pay a big tribute to David Rose who I have served with for the past three years.
"David has had a large media presence as our adverse events spokesperson. His commitment was such that he fronted media despite being badly affected by the 2010 spring storm himself."
Milne is a Rotomanu dairy farmer on the West Coast. With Ian Whitmore she farms on 125 hectares milking 200 Jersey cows.
