New Feds VP Ready To Work For Farmers
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
The Malborough sheep and beef farmer acknowledged the great work that Williams had done during his two-years and eight-month stint.
Williams was voted out by the meat and wool group at their annual meeting in Christchurch on Wednesday. All roles in Federated Farmers are up for re-election every year – with a three-year term limit. Williams’ ouster came as a surprise.
Dawkins told Rural News that allowing members to run for leadership positions is a strength of Federated Farmers.
“The structure is such that the best man or woman can put their names forward for positions.”
He notes that the meat and wool group is run by 25 people who help the chair and eight-member executive, and they are “a tower house of experience for all”.
“I will ensure that we are hearing a lot from these people going forward.”
Dawkins also confirmed that the ‘Save our Sheep’ campaign, spearheaded by Williams, to stop whole sheep farms being converted to forestry will continue.
Dawkins (35), farms with his wife Jess in the Waihopai Valley near Blenheim.
Two Canadian spraying experts, Tom Wolf and Jason Deveau, are visiting New Zealand in early August to ensure that arable growers are hitting the target with this key piece of equipment.
Otago Southland Young Farmer Tom Slee has been crowned the Season 58 FMG Young Farmer of the Year after an outstanding performance at the Grand Final in New Plymouth, the first time the event has been held in the region.
New Zealand's red meat sector says it welcomes the Government's focus on trade ahead of the general election in November.
Two year 10 students from Putaruru College and John Paul College in Waikato Bay of Plenty have been crowned the 2026 FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year at the competition's Grand Final in New Plymouth.
With the New Zealand/India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) dominating political debate here, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting New Zealand next week.
Michelle and Tony Roberts didn't inherit the farming business they have today. They’ve built it from the ground up.

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