Federated Farmers President Colin Hurst Adds Dairy Farm
Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst and his family raised a glass of milk last week to toast the start of a new addition to their farming operation at Makihihi, south of Timaru.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
The Malborough sheep and beef farmer acknowledged the great work that Williams had done during his two-years and eight-month stint.
Williams was voted out by the meat and wool group at their annual meeting in Christchurch on Wednesday. All roles in Federated Farmers are up for re-election every year – with a three-year term limit. Williams’ ouster came as a surprise.
Dawkins told Rural News that allowing members to run for leadership positions is a strength of Federated Farmers.
“The structure is such that the best man or woman can put their names forward for positions.”
He notes that the meat and wool group is run by 25 people who help the chair and eight-member executive, and they are “a tower house of experience for all”.
“I will ensure that we are hearing a lot from these people going forward.”
Dawkins also confirmed that the ‘Save our Sheep’ campaign, spearheaded by Williams, to stop whole sheep farms being converted to forestry will continue.
Dawkins (35), farms with his wife Jess in the Waihopai Valley near Blenheim.
A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.
Fonterra has opened its upgraded Chengdu Application Centre, bringing New Zealand dairy expertise closer to customers in one of China's fastest-growing regions.
When it comes to annual rebates, it's been a long time between drinks for Ravensdown shareholders.
Special courses for secondary school teachers to help excite kids about agriculture and horticulture are now being run at Massey University.
Running a tight and self-contained ship is the key to the success of the country's largest dairy farmer, says Blair Robinson, the new man at the helm of Dairy Holdings.
Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst and his family raised a glass of milk last week to toast the start of a new addition to their farming operation at Makihihi, south of Timaru.

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