increase font size
At the beginning of the year, Rural News judged Federated Farmers of New Zealand (FFNZ) as the most media-friendly organisation during 2012 – by a country mile. This is great recognition for a tremendous effort. When one considers the size of the organisation in comparison with some of New Zealand’s agricultural companies, the output is remarkable. And it hasn’t just been reactionary statements, it has also been think-pieces.
Bruce Wills has columns which appear in a wide variety of places; increasingly Feds board members have been active as well. Already this year, Conor English, Fed’s chief executive, has had a by-line as a commentator in the New Zealand Herald on the issue of urban sprawl. The raising of ideas and opinion is commendable. It is also important for increasing rural-urban understanding.
Given the importance of this understanding, it is surprising more farmers aren’t supporting the work of Fed Farmers by becoming members. The federation has about 27,000 members and the subscription is $120.59 (incl. GST). Fewer than 60% of pastoral farmers are members.
A similar comment can be made about NZ Grassland Association, which is focussed on information exchange between farmers, industry personnel, policy makers and researchers, as well as society in general. From the association evidence-based material is through talks and media articles. Despite this, membership is fewer han 1000 (the subscription is $30.85 incl. GST).
The importance of numbers is the politicians’ check. The greater the representation, the greater the chance of being taken seriously – which is an important point given that rural New Zealand is an increasingly small proportion of the population.
That Feds and NZGA have any impact at all (given the urban population at approaching 4 million) reflects history and the motivation and experience of the people involved. It also reflects the fact that both organisations deal in evidence and facts. All of New Zealand benefits, not just farmers – and not just those who have joined up.
‘United we stand, divided we fall’ has been the refrain during periods of adversity since the time of Æsop. Adversity is not going to go away. Achieving understanding will take a collective effort. Supporting the groups making a difference could be a New Year’s resolution of the type that is easy to keep.
• Jacqueline Rowarth is Professor of Agribusiness, The University of Waikato. She is also President of NZ Grassland Association www.grassland.org.nz
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities Party, labelled by some as the 'LinkedIn Greens' for their corporate spin on Green-esque 'tax the rich' policies.
OPINION: Mike Chapman, former chief executive of levy-funded HortNZ, has thrown out a challenge to farmers and growers to put their levy-funded industry organisations under the same scrutiny as fertiliser, electricity, labour and freight.
A team effort that is paying dividends for the wider New Zealand economy.
A strong sense of community involvement is what propelled the Federated Farmers' North Canterbury president Bex Green to the honoured title of the Feds' Advocate of the Year 2026.
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
