Federated Farmers' Hauraki-Coromandel's 'Man-U' Renewal

Federated Farmers' Hauraki-Coromandel's 'Man-U' Renewal

Federated Farmers Hauraki-Coromandel is full of praise for John Sanford, who has retired as provincial president after serving the province's farmers since 2000.  His successor, Kevin Robinson, is also the vice“chair of Federated Farmers Dairy Industry Group.

"John is a farming legend in these parts having been on Federated Farmers' National Council for some 21-years, says Kevin Robinson, Federated Farmers Hauraki-Coromandel provincial president.

"John has helped us navigate storms and drought. His institutional knowledge is second to none, especially on issues from council policy to biodiversity. In 13-years as provincial president, John has seen many things come and go but at least I can still call him up.

"I know what Manchester United's David Moyes feels like replacing Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Succession at all levels is an issue close to my heart that I feel is important for Federated Farmers to take a leadership role on. 

"We have a big problem in New Zealand.  The jobs and opportunity lie in the primary industries but we are punching out graduates in everything but the primary industries. 

"We seem blind to the opportunities, but succession at farm, community and industry levels are all vital for New Zealand to maintain its competitive edge. 

"Getting succession right greatly aids sustainability, which seems a heavily overused word these days.  To me sustainability is the ability to farm better and more profitability, but with less impact on the environment.

"Farms are complex biological systems and since we and our families live where we work, you can say we are motivated to get the balance right.  Farming is the greenest green job you can have because you work with and in nature.

"I know we have policy challenges but every farmer I speak with aims to hand on their farm in a better state than when they first came into it. To be green you need to be in the black.

"Federated Farmers is here to ensure farming remains viable because viable farms benefit the environment and the New Zealand community.  If you believe that too then call us on 0800 327 646 or our Field Officer, Michael Jujnovich, on 0274 755 675, Mr Robinson concluded.

About Kevin Robinson (Hauraki-Coromandel)
Kevin is also Vice-Chairperson of Federated Farmers Dairy.  After leaving school, he spent six years in forestry before dairy farming as a 50/50 sharemilker in 1983.  Kevin progressed onto farm ownership and has significant interests in Chile, even developing farms there. Kevin has two university-aged children while he sits on the Waikato Conservation Board and the Waikato Regional Council Coromandel sub-liaison committee.

ENDS

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