Colin Hurst brings an interest in science, innovation, and a lighter environmental footprint.
The new chair of the Federated Farmers Arable Industry Group is Colin Hurst, who brings wide experience to the role.
Hurst, the 2019 Arable Farmer of the year, was elected at the group’s general meeting on June 22 for a three-year term. He replaces Karen Williams, who is vice-president elect of Federated Farmers of New Zealand.
As well as following his interest in science and innovation driving improved production and a lighter environmental footprint, Hurst is keen to lift the profile of the arable sector among consumers and fellow farmers. Sales of arable production and spending generated by the industry contributed $863 million to GDP in 2018.
“Most people know we produce cereal grains used in bread and a host of other staples, and all the malting barley needed by our brewers, but we also grow the pasture seeds essential to our livestock farmers, not to mention brassicas and other feed crops, and seed production for domestic and international markets,” Hurst said.
The arable industry’s export receipts were forecast to hit $260m in the financial year just ended, a 10.2% increase.
Hurst has farmed a 700ha mixed arable farm, at Makikihi, South Canterbury, since the mid-80s with his family.
As well as serving Federated Farmers at national, regional, and branch level, Hurst has put in countless hours for the South Canterbury Rural Support Trust, the Arable Industry Group’s Herbage Seedgrowers Subsection, United Wheatgrowers, and the Foundation for Arable Research.
He has been a staunch advocate for farmers around the Seed Quality Management Authority table; on the Fertiliser Quality Council, driving the development of a physical standard for fertiliser; and at a multitude of local authority planning and hearing processes.
Vice-chairs elected to the Arable board for 2020/21 are: Brian Leadley, David Birkett, Dion Fleming, and Chris Dillon. The board will also include chair of the Foundation for Arable Research, Hugh Ritchie.
This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
