increase font size
FEDERATED FARMERS, has named Graham Smith as its chief executive officer designate to succeed Conor English.
"Federated Farmers is thrilled to announce Graham Smith's appointment to lead the federation in its next phase of growth," says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers president.
"Graham is a highly accomplished chief executive who joins the federation from Soda Inc, an organisation facilitating new technologies, including agri-tech and company start-ups. Prior to this, he was Chief Executive of the Crown Research Institute ESR (Institute of Environmental Science & Research) for almost three years.
"Graham understands the strategic context Federated Farmers operates in and is no stranger to the primary industries, having been a former general manager at AgResearch.
"The board is especially impressed by Graham's commercial and people leadership skills as well as his background in science and innovation. He has managed an international technology commercialisation organisation and worked for several overseas food companies.
"Graham has relationships across the political and primary industry sectors, which extends across the Tasman, as Graham is Australian by birth but has lived in New Zealand since 2001.
"Graham holds an MBA from the University of South Australia and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide.
"Federated Farmers is a strong and respected voice, both in Wellington and within New Zealand's vibrant provincial hinterland. We are passionate about the positive role farming plays in New Zealand and we know Graham shares this outlook.
"With a focus on evidence based policy, Graham will be instrumental in achieving policy outcomes, which strike the right balance between our economy and our environment.
"Graham Smith will formally take over the role of chief executive officer in July.
"We wish to thank Conor English for a highly successful six years. Federated Farmers and the agriculture sector owe him a huge debt of gratitude and we wish him all the best for the future.
"Graham is a worthy successor and he will work closely with the new Federated Farmers Board to continue the invaluable work we do for New Zealand's farmers and the wider economy," Wills says.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
There's been a positive response to the Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable.
Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.
