Taupiri Farmer Chris Woolerton Tipped as New Federated Farmers Waikato President
Taupiri farmer Chris Woolerton is tipped to take over as Federated Farmers Waikato president from next week.
Farmers hope next week’s wool summit in Wellington will bring much needed action for New Zealand’s wool industry.
Federated Farmers says they hope the summit will produce tangible opportunities for collaboration to help move the New Zealand wool industry forward.
Our wool producers cannot afford for the downward spiral the strong wool industry is experiencing to continue, says the organisation’s Meat & Wool chairperson, Miles Anderson.
"We want our farmers to be successful - and given the growing desire for sustainable products and awareness of what micro plastics are doing to the environment there has never been a better time for wool to be the environmentally friendly choice for business and the wider community."
"Using wool is a win for everyone involved. It is natural and renewable, biodegradable, breathable, non-allergenic and flame retardant, while creating jobs sustaining our rural communities."
It is great wool’s key stakeholders are gathering at this meeting but it has to be more than just another talkfest, says Miles.
"Wool has gone through enough dips. Let’s come up with some concrete actions to re-position wool in its rightful place as the sustainable choice for all consumers. We are committed to being part of the journey."
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.
The 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Young Breeders Development Programme is off to a strong start, with this year's intake coming together for their first event on March 18 and 19.

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