OPINION: A last-minute compromise ensured that the election of the new Federated Farmers national dairy chair wasn't a repeat of the Super 15 rugby final - Canterbury versus Waikato.
Waikato Fed president Phil Sherwood withdrew his nomination hours before the annual meeting in Christchurch last month, allowing North Canterbury president Karl Dean to take the job unopposed.
However, the same cannot be said of Feds' meat and wool group - sitting chair Toby Williams was voted out before the completion of his three-year term by Marlborough farmer Richard Dawkings.
Traditionally, Feds leaders are allowed to serve three years in a role before stepping aside for new blood. Williams had been on the job for two years and eight months.