New leadership for Young Farmers
Cole Groves has been voted the new Chairman for New Zealand Young Farmers. Mr Groves takes the helm after Paul Olsen who
stepped down from his two-year term.
“It’s a fantastic group of people”, Mr Groves said. “It’s a big honour”.
Mr Groves previously served on the board as an elected member for two years, and he views his new appointment as an
opportunity to give back to an organisation that has given him plenty.
“I’ve gotten so much out of my involvement with Young Farmers; from self-development to growing my business contacts”,
commented Mr Groves.
The twenty-six year old dairy farmer from Pleasant Point considers Young Farmers an integral part of New Zealand’s
agriculture industry.
“Young Farmers tends to act as a glue for the industry - we help develop the future leaders of agriculture and
contribute to a skilled and capable workforce”, he said.
Mr Groves also commented on the continued progress of the organisation.
“Young Farmers has come a long way. Industry partners are now coming to us whereas five years ago we were the ones going
to them”, he said. “The success has also been driven by our increasing membership, dedicated volunteers, our office
staff and the growing network of past members”, he continued.
Retention of members is high on the list of priorities for the new Chairman.
“It’s important to make sure there is a flow through from all the programs and keep members in the ‘pipeline’ of Young
Farmers”, said Mr Groves.
Engagement is paramount in order to help grow membership and keep people involved in Young Farmers he says.
“Our [the board’s] goal is to involve the members more. Members need to feel connected; they need to believe in Young
Farmers. From the 17 year old who leaves school to join a club to the 27 year old who wants something more for their
business or career - we need to make sure that we can provide it, every step of the way”, he said.
“Members are the success of the organization. To us, they are the owners, whatever we do at the strategy level of the
board is focused on the members”, said Mr Groves.
Mr Groves studied at Lincoln University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture science with honours.
ENDS