Rural landscape
Clayton third
Tom Slee (Otago Southland), Cam Clayton (WaiBOP), Jack Taggart (Aorangi), David Reesby (Taranaki Manawatu), Ediwin Laver (East Coast), Justin Ruygrok (Northern), Bryce Win (Tasman)
Waikato Bay of Plenty finalist Cam Clayton finished third in the Young Farmer of the Year grand final in New Plymouth. Clayton was among seven regional champions competing for the national title, finishing behind winner Tom Slee of Otago Southland and runner-up Jack Taggart of Aorangi after a demanding programme of practical, technical and leadership challenges.Regional success
Fonterra’s Waikato sites have been recognised among the co-operative’s top performers, collecting multiple honours at the annual Best Site Cup awards. Waitoa and Reporoa were standout winners, while other sites earned recognition for excellence in efficiency, sustainability, quality and teamwork. The awards highlight the region’s important role in processing New Zealand milk.
Leadership shift
Colin Hurst, Sandra Faulkner
South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst has been elected Federated Farmers national president, with Gisborne farmer Sandra Faulkner named vice president. Hurst, a former vice president and long-time industry advocate, says he will focus on ensuring farmers continue to have a strong voice as the sector faces regulatory, economic and environmental challenges.
Rising leader
Waikato dairy farmer Danielle Hovmand
Waikato sharemilker Danielle Hovmand has been named the primary sector’s top emerging leader. Recognised for her commitment to leadership, community building and advocacy, Hovmand has helped support young farmers and strengthen rural networks. Her award reflects a growing reputation for combining practical farming experience with a passion for helping others succeed.
Cost pressure
Strong milk prices and record production are supporting dairy farm profitability, but rising costs remain a concern, according to DairyNZ’s latest economic update. Increases in fuel, fertiliser, feed and freight costs are expected to lift breakeven prices and place pressure on margins. Farmers are being encouraged to prepare for ongoing cost volatility.
Leaders honoured
Two respected rural leaders have been recognised at the Primary Industries Awards. Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel received the Outstanding Contribution Award for decades of service to the sector, while Neil Bateup was presented with the Champion Award in recognition of his long-standing commitment to supporting rural communities and wellbeing initiatives.
Layer hen review
Farmers, industry groups and the public are being invited to provide feedback on proposed changes to New Zealand’s code of welfare for layer hens. The draft updates include changes to housing definitions and stocking density standards, with a focus on bird flu preparedness, evolving farming practices and maintaining strong animal welfare outcomes. Consultation closes on August 14.
Pasture boost
Jeremy Bryant Aimer Farming
Waikato ag-tech company Aimer Farming is preparing to launch its AI-powered pasture measurement technology in the United Kingdom. Developed in New Zealand and already used on more than 650 farms, Aimer allows farmers to measure pasture using a smartphone video, helping improve grazing, feed and rotation decisions. Meanwhile Aimer Farming has welcomed Government co‑investment that will help New Zealand farmers make faster, more confident pasture and feed decisions – turning measurement into clear, practical action on farm. As part of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Primary Sector Growth Fund, MPI is investing $600,000 in a $1.675 million project with Aimer Farming. The project will scale Aimer Farming’s proven AI‑powered pasture measurement and decision technology across hundreds of New Zealand dairy and beef farms. It will also help fast‑track new tools designed to save farmers time and reduce uncertainty in daily grazing and feed decisions.
