Keeping the Farmer Voice Strong Inside the Co-op

That's the reason I put my hand up for LIC's Shareholder Representative Group (SRG) and why I think other farmer shareholders should too.

I farm across North Otago and South Canterbury. Like plenty of you, I'm busy but I’ve also always believed the strength of a farmer-owned co-op doesn’t sit in an office somewhere. It sits with the people who use the tools and services every day, and who are prepared to ask questions about where we’re heading.

Many shareholders still aren’t entirely sure what the SRG actually does. Put simply SRG is the voice of LIC’s farmer shareholders, and we engage with the co-operatives board and management. Our role is to listen to shareholders, raise perspectives, ideas and issues from farmers, and help ensure LIC remains grounded in real on-farm experience as it makes decisions into the future.

I didn’t put my name forward because I thought I had all the answers. I put it forward because I wanted a genuine farmer voice in how LIC delivers to its members. I first stood because the lower South Island needed representation grounded in what’s happening on-farm. After a few conversations with fellow shareholders, I went through the nomination process and was elected. Since then, I’ve also had the privilege of serving as chair, and I try to approach it with the same methodical mindset I bring to the farming business.

For me, chairing the SRG is about facilitating good conversation: making sure the right questions get asked, that farmer feedback reaches the right people, and that when LIC is making decisions whether that’s genetics strategy, technology investment, or service models, there are farmer voices in the room who can speak from experience.

Being involved has given me a front-row seat to how LIC operates at a strategic level, and how the co-op is navigating a changing industry.

Being chair of the SRG has taught me a lot about governance, how decisions are made and the importance of having farmers around the table. I’d like to see more farmers take an interest in how this process works and consider putting their own names forward. There are talented, knowledgeable farmers throughout the country who have a huge amount to contribute.

At the end of the day, co-operatives only serve their members well when members are engaged. SRG elections are one of the few direct levers farmers have and they’re an open door that too few of us walk through. If you’ve got something to say about LIC’s future, I’d encourage you to consider standing. And if you don’t want to stand yourself, tap someone you trust on the shoulder and tell them you’ll back them.

For more information on how to stand for the SRG, head to the LIC website.

Ben Smith is chair – LIC Shareholder Reference Group.