Uniting farmers from across dairy, meat and wool, and arable to present one strong and united voice is no easy feat at the best of times.
To have done it consistently for 125 years is something Federated Farmers are incredibly proud of, the organisation’s president Wayne Langford says.
“Since the day we were founded, we’ve been standing up for farmers and rural communities, giving them a strong voice, and advocating for what’s fair.
“We’ve been there through it all: the booms and busts of farming, significant land use change, market downturns, and the removal of subsidies,” Langford says.
The Federation’s roots go back to 18 September 1899, when the first properly constituted Farmers’ Union branch was formed in Kaitaia by Northland dairy farmer Thomas Portland Smith.
Langford says, since that day, the organisation has played a significant role in New Zealand’s history that even detractors or critics find difficult to dismiss.
“Federated Farmers has one of the most recognisable, trusted and respected brands in the country – and that’s taken time to build over the years.
“I look back at some of the respected names that have gone through Federated Farmers’ leadership since the organisation began in 1899.
“Those are the names the organisation’s reputation has been built upon, and that’s a legacy I’m very, very proud to be a part of.”
While Federated Farmers’ core mandate has always been championing farmers’ interests, that brief has grown over time to include the rest of rural New Zealand too, Langford says.
“Whenever there’s an issue that’s important to rural communities – whether that be roading, education, or health – Federated Farmers has been there as an advocate.
“That’s still the case today, where we engage on everything from banking issues and council rates through to digital connectivity and pest control.”
Langford says the organisation has to navigate differences between various sectors and provinces, but that’s where the organisation’s strength comes from.
“We’re an incredibly democratic and diverse grassroots organisation, and there’s always plenty of robust debate on the big issues affecting farming.
“That’s what really sets us apart from other organisations. We can’t just take a position that works for dairy, meat and wool, or arable farmers.
“We have to really confront those tough discussions as a collective group and find a pan-sector position that will work for all farmers – not just one sector.”
None of the work Federated Farmers do would be possible without the support of loyal members who choose to pay a sub each year, Langford says.
“It might feel good to have a rant on Facebook, and sure you might get a few likes, but does that really make a difference when it comes to Government regulation?
“I don’t think it does. What makes a real difference for farming families is having a strong team of policy experts behind you who are really across the detail.
“Having those people working on the big issues, engaging with politicians, and providing evidence to change decision-makers’ minds is what secures the wins.”
If you support Federated Farmers’ work for New Zealand’s rural communities, call 0800 327 646 and become a member today.
A few Federated Farmers milestones:
1922 – Meat Export Control Act initiated by NZ Farmers’ Union president Sir William Polson to ensure a fair share of export meat profits for farmers.
1925 – Women’s Division of the NZ Farmers Union was founded by Florence Polson, Sir William’s wife. It grew to become today’s Rural Women NZ.
1969 – first Fieldays held at Te Rapa racecourse. The idea of John Kneebone, later a Federated Farmers president, it was a success and grew to become a multi-billion-dollar event.
1977 – Farming leaders worked with the Government to establish the QEII National Trust. Now more than 5000 covenants protect 200,000ha of special natural areas, most of it on farms.
The Outdoors Access Commission was sparked by Federated Farmers’ 2005 orange ribbon campaign, pushing back on a government proposal for mandated access across farmland to rivers and lakes.
2019 – Federated Farmers helped stop the Government bringing in a capital gains tax, saving an estimated $3-6K per farm.
2024 – Federated Farmers led the charge to see He Waka Eke Noa and unscientific methane target dumped.
2024 – Federated Farmers secures inquiry into rural banking competition and interest rates.
Federated Farmers, New Zealand’s leading independent rural advocacy organisation, has established a news and insights partnership with AgriHQ, the country’s leading rural publisher, to give the farmers of New Zealand a more informed, united and stronger voice. Federated Farmers news and commentary appears each week in its own section of the Farmers Weekly print edition and online.
