Whirlwind tour to meet farmers

"Not that I do much beer drinking as I'm driving almost every day," Sangster says in a statement. "The aim has been to meet farmers face-to-face on their patch, hear their views, answer their questions and raise awareness of the election. I've found that farmers want to make an informed decision and appreciate the chance to discuss their issues."

Sangster's whirlwind trip has seen her meet groups of farmers throughout Canterbury, Otago and Southland. This week she travels to Roxburgh, Lawrence, Te Anau, and Otatautau, followed next week by Fortrose, Gore and Kaiwera. "I am open to meeting anyone along the way – there's always room in the schedule for another cuppa or a beer," she said.

Sangster's desire to contribute to the New Zealand sheep and beef industry and put newly-honed leadership and governance skills to use motivated her to seek a place on the Alliance Group board.

Her 10 strategies to improve Alliance farmer-shareholder returns include increasing market share, rewarding loyal suppliers, managing supply risk by attracting new shareholders, training and support for company reps and a more aggressive approach to the beef market.

"I can make a positive contribution to our industry and to the wider community and have the experience, skills and desire to bring a fresh perspective to the Board," she says.

With a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce in Farm Management from Lincoln University, Sangster has a 25-year farming career and extensive experience and training in commercial and community leadership and governance.

Actively involved in a family company comprising two sheep and beef properties running 10,000 stock units, Sangster is an elected member of the Beef + Lamb Central South Island Farmer Council and the NZ Mohair Board.

This year she polished her leadership and governance skills by graduating from the Agri-Women's Development Trust's inaugural 10-month leadership and governance programme 'Escalator'.

Alliance is a farmer-owned co-operative with over 5,000 farmer-shareholders who supply more than 85% cent of the stock processed by the company. Eight candidates are standing for two vacancies on the board.

Voting closes at 10:30am on December 14. The results will be announced at the company's annual meeting on December 16.