Sam Robinson joins NZ Young Farmers Board

Hawke’s Bay farmer and agribusiness leader Sam Robinson joins NZ Young Farmers Board

Hawke’s Bay farmer and agribusiness leader Sam Robinson has joined the board of NZ Young Farmers as an appointed director.

The 67-year-old brings strong governance experience and extensive industry connections to the role.

Sam is on the board of red meat processor and exporter Silver Fern Farms and spent nine years as the chairman of AgResearch.

“NZ Young Farmers has got a good legacy of rural involvement and service to rural communities,” he said.

“The organisation is really hitting a strong growth point now and it will be great to be associated with that.”

NZ Young Farmers is a leader in nurturing and connecting the next generation to ensure the future success of the primary industries.

It runs the prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

A major focus of the organisation is building strong relationships with schools to showcase career opportunities in the agri-food sector.

“In my due diligence and research for this appointment, I have been impressed with the vibrancy of the organisation,” said Sam.

Sam replaces Jeff Grant, who has been on the NZ Young Farmers Board since 2015 and is about to retire.

“Jeff will leave a big hole to fill and securing someone of Sam’s calibre is a major coup for our organisation,” said chairman Jason Te Brake.

“He has strong governance experience and extensive industry relationships and networks.”

Sam’s first involvement with NZ Young Farmers started in 2000 when he was appointed a trustee of AGMARDT, which provides grants and funding to agribusiness sector.

“I really got to know NZ Young Farmers through AGMARDT’s involvement with the Young Farmer of the Year contest,” he said.

“It’s almost like I’ve come full circle with my new role.”

Sam is also a director of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company and has a hill country sheep and beef farm near Waipukurau, which is managed by an equity partner.

He’s a former chairman of meat processor Richmond and a past director of the Port of Napier, Farmlands and AsureQuality.

Sam’s initial term on the NZ Young Farmers Board is for one year.

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