Wednesday, 17 May 2023 11:45

Prize catch

Written by  Milking It

OPINION: Former Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard rocked the local political scene last week by stepping down early from his farmer leader role to announce that he will contest the next election under the ACT Party banner.

There will be questions around why ACT and not National. Whatever the reasons, it's a prize catch for ACT.

The high-profile Manawatu farmer is well liked in the farming community as a straight shooter and is also a regular commentator in the media on farming-related issues. In his last opinion piece for the Feds, Hoggard has described the Government's proposed emissions pricing plan as "unacceptable".

Meanwhile, Hoggard's Twitter account, with over 3,300 followers, is now locked. His Twitter profile has changed to "Opinionated dairy farmer from Kiwitea".

More like this

Working with farmers to ensure best outcomes

OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.

Editorial: Nitrate emergency?

OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.

Federated Farmers slam Canterbury nitrate emergency

A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.

Featured

Fieldays to rebuild Mystery Creek services building

The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.

National

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Fonterra vote

OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.

Follow the police beat

OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter