NZYF launches employer supporter membership for rural businesses
New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) has launched a new initiative designed to make it easier for employers to support their young team members by covering their NZYF membership.
Danielle Hovmand has been announced as the 2024 recipient of the New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Contiki Local Legend Award.
The award celebrates NZYF members who demonstrate dedication to their community, the primary industry, and the NZYF network.
Among her contributions, Hovmand led the 2021 Morrinsville-Ngarua Young Farmers Naked Calendar fundraiser, raising $10,000, and initiated the 2023 Community Quiz Night, which generated $30,000 for local causes.
She has volunteered for events like the Morrinsville Fireworks Show and Christmas Parade and organized Pink Ribbon Breakfasts to support breast cancer awareness.
Her primary sector advocacy work includes the promotion of Ag Days, speaking at schools, and participating in A& P shows.
She has also collaborated with groups like the Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers, Lions Club, and local schools in an effort to create lasting community connections and showcase the role Young Farmers play in supporting rural New Zealand.
Hovmand says she is excited to receive the award.
“A massive thank you to Contiki and NZ Young Farmers for this epic opportunity! I cannot wait to head off overseas at the end of the season,” she says.
“Being a part of Young Farmers has been such a big part of my life over the past few years, and I’m so grateful for the incredible people I’ve met, the lasting friendships formed, and the chance to give back to my community,” she adds.
As the 2024 Contiki Local Legend, Danielle has won a $5,000 Contiki travel voucher.
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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