Environmentally aware farmer elected Golden Bay president

MEDIA RELEASE

4 June 2013

Environmentally aware farmer elected Federated Farmers Golden Bay president

With the retirement of long serving Federated Farmers Golden Bay provincial president, Graham Ball, Collingwood dairy farmer Sue Brown has stepped up to lead the province.

“Graham will be a tough act to follow but I am humbled to be entrusted with my colleague’s faith,” says Sue Brown, Federated Farmers Golden Bay provincial president.

“Golden Bay is an amazing area to farm in being enveloped, as it is, by both Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. It is a real privilege to be Federated Farmers provincial president in such a special area we are blessed to farm in.

“Being a farmer here, we have seen mythology grow up around what farming is instead of what it isn’t. I look forward to continuing what Graham Ball started and that is Federated Farmers’ positive engagement with the community on solutions as opposed to problems.

“The thing we need to ensure in Golden Bay is that farming in all of its forms, remains a viable, progressive and dynamic evolving business. In this regard Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre is focussed on helping to translate the demand for our meat and fibre into farmgate returns.

“There are also a heap of issues that Federated Farmers is engaged upon in Golden Bay.

“Most farmers will know the outstanding work we do with council policy, but we are also on the national stage seeking much needed reform to RMA and related water policy.

“What is not helping collaborative working is the way Resource Management Act processes have become adversarial. We need to empower local decision making instead of rewarding lawyers and consultants.

“Another key thing locally will be the subject of council amalgamation. While it is off the off the radar it could re-emerge at any stage and Federated Farmers focus is to ensure rural has a strong voice.

“A strong voice is something Federated Farmers possesses. We proved that with hundreds of millions more for rural broadband and in the traction water storage is now getting right across the political spectrum.

“It is a voice which gets stronger with more members. With younger farmers stepping up to run their own farm businesses, growing our membership is another key goal I have.

“I urge farmers who are not members to call 0800 327 646 or our Field Officer, Pam Boland, on 027 507 8901,” Sue Brown concluded.

About Sue Brown
Sue Brown, with her partner John Nalder, farm two properties in the Tasman district; the 100 ha home farm milking 280 cows and a grazing support block, where they crop lucerne, raise young stock and winter cows. Passionate about sustainable farming, Sue was made a Landcare Ambassador for her role in the Aorere Catchment Water Quality Project and she sits on the Nelson-Marlborough Conservation Board. She is also involved with a group seeking to research giant buttercup control.

ENDS

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