Federated Farmers’ youngest provincial president elected

MEDIA RELEASE

28 May 2013

Federated Farmers’ youngest provincial president elected this year

Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay has elected 36-year old Will Foley as its new Hawke’s Bay provincial president, replacing Bruce Wills, who will now focus on his role as National President. Will Foley is the youngest provincial president elected in Federated Farmers’ class of 2013.

“I must pay tribute to Bruce Wills, who has positively led Federated Farmers in the Hawke’s Bay,” says Will Foley, Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay provincial president.

“I guess my election means Bruce will be able to focus on his national role. After being elected Bruce quipped about me, “he is about half my age and with a lot more hair”.

“As a sheep and beef farmer in Waipukurau, you can say I have a strong interest in water given the effect of the current drought has had upon us.

“I think it is safe to say our province’s focus over the next 18-months is to ensure the Ruataniwha water storage proposal stacks up. I know there has been some critical talk but rainfall seems to be like Lotto; sometimes you win but often you don’t. We believe the principle of water storage is sound as everyone wins.

“As farmers we do not like leaving things to chance, especially when we know irrigation is the best way to ensure farming and environmental improvement. The positive role of irrigation has even been recognised down south in the Mackenzie Agreement.

“That said Ruataniwha must be commercially viable in all respects. Once we have the full facts not just farmers but everyone can make an informed decision.

“Another issue that will generate a lot of comment is council amalgamation. Everyone wants to have efficient local services but I can understand the concerns of those in rural communities. There is a risk rural communities will be dominated by the likes of Hastings and Napier.

“Yet farmers in the Auckland super city seem pretty happy so we must not close our minds to the possibility. Federated Farmers will be the fore in ensuring that all options are canvassed because our role is to have the backs of our members,” Will Foley concluded.

About Will Foley (Hawke’s Bay)
Aged in his mid-30’s, Will holds a Bachelor in Applied Science majoring in Agriculture from Massey University. His Waipukurau farm runs breeding ewes, trade lambs and cattle. Will is married to Abbie and he has two boys.

ENDS

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