Feds elect new VP

The former Feds dairy section chair was elected at the farmer lobby's annual meeting in Auckland this month. He defeated former Otago provincial president Simon Davies, who was nominated from the floor at the AGM.

Langford told Rural News that the election process was a humbling experience and shows democracy is alive and well in the organisation.

"Thanks to all of the wise words, experienced counsel and tough conversations, I'm really looking forward to the new role."

Langford replaces Wairarapa farmer Karen Williams, who stepped down after four years on the board.

Feds chief executive Terry Copeland points out that the role of vice-president is seen as a stepping stone to the Feds' president role, arguably one of the most influential in agriculture, but also one that is demanding and time-consuming.

"It's positive that highly able and experienced candidates sought the vice president's post." Langford told the AGM there was no shortage of challenges facing agriculture.

"But I believe we have more opportunities in front of us than we do headwinds."

With local body elections this year, and a general election next year, Federated Farmers' advocacy efforts were vital, he says. Langford's former role of dairy section chair was picked up by Manawatū farmer Richard McIntyre. He also joins the Federated Farmers board.

Two new "at large" board members were also elected: Sandra Faulkner and Mark Hooper. They replace Chris Allen and Chris Lewis.

The election for board members attracted six candidates.

Copeland says the fact a number of people had put their hands up for board positions was a sign the organisation is in good health.

Colin Hurst was re-elected arable industry chair and William Beetham meat & wool industry chair. They also join the national board.

Feds president Andrew Hoggard, who had Covid and couldn't attend the meeting in person, was also re-elected unopposed for 12 months.

A Champion

Outgoing Federated Farmers national board member Chris Lewis was named Primary Industry Champion at the NZ Primary Industries Conference awards.

Lewis has been an elected leader for Feds at regional and national level for 17 years.

Philippa Dawe presents Chris Lewis with the Primary Industry Champion Award.

In recent years, he has stepped up that voluntary contribution to fellow farmers and the wider industry by highlighting workforce shortages, successfully advocating to government for agricultural worker border exceptions during Covid, encouraging more New Zealand into the industry and championing the 'Good Boss' campaign.