Hurst named as Feds president

South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst is the new Federated Farmers national president.

The Waimate mixed arable and dairy farmer was voted in last week.

"It’s a huge privilege to be entrusted with this role by my fellow farmers."

Farmers faced challenges and were determined and optimistic about the future.

"My job as president is to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made and that’s exactly what I intend to do."

Mr Hurst served as Federated Farmers’ vice-president for the past three years. He was also the organisation’s spokesman for freshwater, biodiversity, and fire and emergency issues.

His focus would be on continuing to ensure farmers’ voices were heard clearly in national decision-making.

"Farmers are operating in an incredibly complex environment right now, from compliance pressures through to economic uncertainty.

"I’ll be working hard with a fantastic team of farming leaders from around the country — and that’s our strength."

Mr Hurst has nearly 40 years as a hands-on arable and livestock farmer, and extensive experience within Federated Farmers at both a regional and national level.

Southland Federated Farmers president Chris Dillon joins the national board as arable chair.