2017 Federated Farmers Awards presented
Awards recognising everything from weather bomb recovery efforts to the fight against the pea weevil threat were presented at the Federated Farmers national conference dinner in Wellington on June 21.
In between an often-hilarious illustrated tour of weird and wonderful incidents from New Zealand history presented by MC Te Radar, six awards were handed out to Feds members who have shown ‘above and beyond’ leadership and service.
Former journalist recently turned coastal Taranaki dairy farmer Brad Markham picked up the Vodafone Farming Message Award. From writing numerous press releases for the local Young Farmers club to being active in sharemilkers focus groups and the wider community, Brad was hailed for celebrating the successes and opinions of other farmers and “being unafraid to tackle big issues and ask questions”.
For achieving the greatest percentage of membership growth in the year to May 31, the Far North Province – represented by President John Blackwell – was presented with the Membership Growth Award. Coming out of several years of drought, floods and poor dairy payouts the Far North team had shown real passion to boost the Federation’s ranks at the top of the North Island.
The Format Print Provincial Service Award recognises the unsung heroes who year after year contribute to the smooth running of the province. This year’s winner is Bay of Plenty president Darryl Jensen. He was praised for this work ethic and leadership during the recent cyclones, his ability to work amicably with other organisations in trying circumstances, and his service in a host of roles from the local rural support trust right through to administration and coaching at Tauranga’s water polo club.
Ben Moore, the dairy vice-chair for Waikato/Matamata, was recognised with the Farmlands Co-op Emerging Advocate Award. From a farming background in the UK, Ben has progressed from sharemilking to owning/leasing his own farm. As well as taking on Feds roles, Ben has been a staunch advocate for rural mental health and the Rural Support Trust, and fought for support for local farmers battling with velvet leaf-affected crops.
His advocacy during 2016 as farmers grappled with another pest – the pea weevil – saw Wairarapa President Jamie Falloon pick up the Department of Conservation Outstanding Advocacy Award. Despite being a sheep and beef farmer, Jamie led the charge on behalf of all farmers to get the best outcomes for Wairarapa pea growers, and for the industry as a whole. He co-ordinated growers and arranged meetings with MPI, with it culminating in MPI’s development of a response cost package for affected growers.
A standing ovation greeted the news that Whanganui sheep and beef farmer Tim Matthews was the winner of the FMG Outstanding Contribution Award. The 28-year Federation member has taken on numerous roles and district and regional level and was hailed for his work on biodiversity, farmer advocacy, communication and his unrivalled understanding of local issues.