Source: Federated Farmers
Five grassroots champions for Kiwi farmers have been recognised for their massive contributions to agriculture, winning awards at the Federated Farmers national AGM last week.
Each year, the organisation’s national awards celebrate farmers who have gone above and beyond for their fellow farmers, rural communities, and the wider agricultural sector.
Outgoing Federated Farmers board member Richard McIntyre was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution – a fitting conclusion to his three-year term as national dairy chair.
“Richard has been an absolute titan of farmer advocacy and rural New Zealand is in a better place because of his work,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
“He’s relentlessly stood up for our members when it counted, pushing hard for a banking inquiry, better immigration settings, and KiwiSaver changes for young farmers.
“I don’t think there would have been a single week where we didn’t see him in the media, fighting hard to change the political landscape for farming families.
“There’s no fight he hasn’t been willing to take on, his work rate has been phenomenal, and most importantly for our members, he’s delivered tangible results.”
The Advocate of the Year award went to Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick, who has been a standout communicator on behalf of farmers.
“When it comes to emerging farming leaders, Jason Herrick is without a doubt one to watch. He’s got a huge contribution to make and a big future ahead of him,” Langford says.
“Whether it’s calling out Fish & Game’s antics or pushing back on unworkable, costly new farming rules, Jason’s exemplified what Federated Farmers is all about – fighting for farmers.
“I’ve been so impressed with not just his workload and ability to prosecute issues in the media, but also with his personal growth and development as a leader in his community.
“He’s been tenacious and articulate, and he’s shown a thick skin. You can’t stick your neck out for farmers without copping some heat back, but he’s taken it all in his stride.”
James (Jimmy) Emmett, who is contract milking on two farms just outside Geraldine, has been named Dairy Advocate of the Year.
“Jimmy has been an incredibly valuable member of our dairy council – he brings strong ideas and opinions, but always contributes in a collaborative, respectful way,” Langford says.
“He’s thoughtful and constructive in discussions about the challenges facing the dairy sector, offering practical solutions while genuinely listening to the perspectives of others.
“At a local level, as South Canterbury Federated Farmers dairy chair, Jimmy has been such a great advocate for farmers at the grassroots.
“He consistently goes out of his way to seek support and advice for those doing it tough and he puts in the work to make a real difference in their lives.”
This year’s Meat & Wool Advocate of the Year is Matt Simpson, a third-generation sheep and beef farmer on a 4100ha high country station in South Canterbury.
Langford says Matt, who is South Canterbury Federated Farmers meat & wool co-chair, is a passionate and effective leader in his community.
“Matt’s been instrumental in the pest management space, especially on wallaby eradication, and has been a driving force in getting better coordination between farmers, landowners, recreational hunters and government.
“He’s also had a massive amount to do in South Canterbury on the court case around Outstanding National Landscapes (ONLs) being placed over farms.
“He and his wife Tory have put in a huge amount of time and effort on mediation, and the positive outcome of that will lay the groundwork for other provinces.
“In all of it, Matt’s just an absolute champion in his community, where he’s deeply respected for being such a pillar among farming families.”
The Arable Advocate of the Year award went to Southland Federated Farmers arable chair Sonia Dillon, who operates a mixed cropping and seed production business.
Langford says Sonia has been extremely strong on local advocacy.
“There are some issues in Southland that are quite specific for that area and she’s great at getting them airtime and discussion.
“That’s particularly true when it comes to transportation and logistics, with Southland being at the bottom of the country.
“She’s pointed out that if it costs $60 to get something from Christchurch to Southland, how come grain that comes from Canterbury can be cheaper than it’s priced in Southland? It’s a fair point. The price should be what it costs to buy, plus freight – that’s how it should work.”
Sonia is also a great asset for the Federated Farmers Arable Council, Langford says.
“She’s always happy to bring challenging issues to the forefront, so the council can look for solutions.”
