The reason, concern about what government may be in power for the next three years and if there is a change from the status quo, how this might affect their businesses, livelihoods and how they manage their properties.

They already are on tenterhooks with the threat of El Nino, and geopolitical chaos causing basic farm inputs such as fuel to rise and unpredictable tariffs to suddenly appear. We are seeing a situation where this uncertainty is causing, in some cases, store stock not being sold or bought.

This is stressful stuff, caused in part by one of the worst election campaigns of all time. The leaders of the two main parties have hardly been inspiring; some would say they have rushed around the country stirring up apathy. David Seymour described the battle between National and Labour as akin to “two bald men fighting over a comb”.

At the extremes, the Greens’ and Te Pati Māori’s love-in with the mobsters has added new toxicity to the overall campaign.

Wild, extravagant promises have been made by all parties and at this late stage, many people will still be tossing up who to vote for – or just as likely – who not to vote for. This wouldn’t have occurred if there had been strong leadership at the helm of Labour or National. The minor parties of whichever colour will determine the outcome of the election.

Federated Farmers has issued its ‘Voter Guide’ to members.

New Zealand First has come out on tops, supporting 25 policies included in Feds’ list of election priorities.

National and ACT aren’t far behind. Surprisingly, Greens are on the same page as Feds on several policies.

But how the coalition shapes up and policies it retains or discards could make a huge difference to the farming community.

The primary sector is in a positive phase. Beef prices are high, dairy is doing well and horticulture continues to rise to new heights.

But when the primary sector is threatened with all sorts of push backs, the positivity twitches to pause mode. Whichever way the election goes, let’s hope that the strength in the primary sector will be retained and won’t face a red or an orange light.