increase font size
Mid-Canterbury farming leader Chris Allen.
Tributes have flowed in from around the country for mid-Canterbury farming leader Chris Allen who died in a tragic accident on his farm near Ashburton.
Allen served on the board of Federated Farmers for more than eight years and took on the challenging portfolio of water and biodiversity.
Feds national president Wayne Langford says there were a few tears in the organisation's national office when the news came through.
"I have been flooded with messages from right across the country from people who Chris has worked with or had been a part of their lives," he says.
Langford says Allen will be remembered for his collaborative nature, his ability to get on with people from all walks of life and to come up with workable solutions - not only for farmers but also the environment as well.
"He had a quote which I will always remember and one that really defines him. It was 'Things need to be sensible, practical and affordable'. This is a quote that can be applied across a lot of issues," he says.
Allen and his wife Ann-Maree farmed an irrigated sheep and beef property near Mt Somers. Neighbour and Feds mid-Canterbury president, David Acland says people are just gutted and shaken at his sudden death.
"He had incredible mana and was widely respected by politicians of all political parties. He was a person who could work across groups and parties and find a way forward," he says.
Federated Farmers is celebrating following the Government's announcement that young farmers will be able to use their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first home or farm.
OPINION: The euphoria over the Government’s two new bills to replace the broken Resource Management Act is over.
Canterbury arable farmers are down by tens of millions of dollars after a rollercoaster of wild changeable January weather saw harvests delayed and some crops destroyed by violent hailstorms.
OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.
Sheep and beef farmers in Hawke's Bay are being urged to keep a close eye on the wells that supply water to their stock.
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.
New data shows that pork remains one of the more affordable meat options for New Zealand households at a time when grocery costs continue to put pressure on budgets.
The South Island Dairy Event's BrightSIDE has named Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.
Scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao has achieved a successful cocksfoot-ryegrass cross capable of producing fertile seed, a world-first.
The South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) returns to Lincoln University next month.
The subdivision and sale of the Rangiora's Coldstream Estate in 1921 was advantageous for not one, but four Cantebury families - but one in particular has become synonymous with outstanding Holstein Friesian cattle.
