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.
Fonterra directors and councillors are in for a pay rise next month.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.

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