Federated Farmers Welcomes ACT’s New Farming Policies
Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
Federated Farmers has formally written to Joy’s employer, Victoria University vice-chancellor Nic Smith raising serious concerns about Joy’s conduct and requesting a response.
Joy made the comments in a LinkedIn post last month, suggesting the dairy industry is currently putting babies (and adults) at risk with nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater.
His proposed solution: "How about we bring back hanging for industry CEOs?"
Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean says such extreme, violent and dangerous views are totally unacceptable from a well-known and senior academic.
"Dr Joy is entitled to his opinions, and he has plenty of views that are anti-farming, but suggesting industry CEOs should be hanged has no place in academia or New Zealand society.
"These are clearly the views of a fringe academic with activist tendencies and political motives - not a credible, level-headed and impartial researcher that the public can trust."
According to the Victoria University website, Joy is currently employed as Senior Research Fellow at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
"We’re taking Dr Joy’s violent and extreme comments very seriously and have a firm expectation that Victoria University will do the same," Dean says.
"It would be extraordinary if the University failed to take appropriate action in response to this kind of extremist content being publicly posted online. It strikes at the heart of their credibility.
"If a teacher at my kids’ school made comments like this - towards anyone at all - I’d be demanding their resignation immediately.
"Dr Joy must be held accountable."
Rural News has sought comments from Victoria University.
Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.
Rural Contractors NZ says proposed changes to land transport rules for agricultural vehicles are a welcome response by the Government to out of date regulations which have seen members hit with huge fines.
Alliance is calling for final applications for its 2027 Graduate Programme, with applications closing on Sunday 25 October.
Decades piloting planes has ensured vet and farmer David Hayes is focused on safety. So, after a serious accident while welding on farm, he is sharing his experience so others can learn from it.
Canterbury milk processor, Synlait Milk has confirmed Leon Fung as its chief executive officer.
OPINION: Making it easier to collect rainwater and use it to grow crops and livestock is a no brainer.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…