Colin Hurst says it’s ‘business as usual’ for Federated Farmers after being named National President yesterday. He takes over from the incumbent Wayne Langford after a contested election at the national AGM.

“I’m essentially just carrying on the great work that Wayne has done,” he says.

A dairy and mixed arable farmer from South Canterbury, he served as Vice President for Langford’s three-year term. His agenda focuses on the five points in Federated Farmers’ election manifesto, released earlier this month.

“It’s built on cutting the cost of farming, enabling technology, building on infrastructure, empowering our environment, the community, and supporting our young farmers.

“We’re just really working on that, and fixing local government.”

Hurst names his three priorities as freshwater, the Resource Management Act, and local government.

“I’m going to keep on the water space, it’s super important.

“That’s where I cut my teeth in this game.”

His presidency follows Wayne Langford’s term, who is known for raising Federated Farmers’ profile.

“Wayne has really lifted the bar; he’s modernised our organisation, and he certainly attracted that younger demographic.

“I haven’t even got a Facebook page.”

Hurst says he will look to lift his public profile, on and offline.

“I’ve always been the quiet person sitting behind the scenes, supporting the team.”

He says his leadership style is ‘collaborative’.

“We’ll use the media and be aggressive when we need to, but we’ll try to do the stuff behind the scenes first.

Since being elected, he has heard from MPs across parliament and the Prime Minister’s office.

“It’s not even been 24 hours and my phone has gone nuts.”

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.