Why don’t farmers protest more?

YET AGAIN AS WE WENT TO PRINT a farmer protest was about to take place. It’s a shame some people undermined the protest with their agendas and social media comments.

Groundswell has made it clear it only wants the focus to be on unworkable Government legislation. They even published a 14-point code of conduct and a list of placard messages to use.

Some ag industry leaders publicly said it shouldn’t go ahead, because the timing was wrong. That anti-vax and fringe groups might latch on to it. But is there a good time?

Maybe the organisers have struck perfect timing? Discontent is growing in New Zealand against the Government especially over Three Waters and mismanagement of the Covid pandemic. This may well be the start of the protest season.

Why is the farming industry so reluctant to protest? Others like students, teachers and the French don’t sit around agonising about marching or the right time to march. They just do it.

What is also hard to understand is why ag industry people want to undermine Groundswell.

In 1986 I went on my first protest march with fellow farmers in Timaru against Government policies. It coincided with meat workers blocking live sheep shipments and a battle was expected between the two groups. It didn’t happen as North Island meat workers were content to stay in a pub drinking. One big Maori chap came onto the street, pointed at me yelling “scab”. I was wearing freezer worker gumboots my uncle gave me. I quickly slipped between two big rugby props.

Back then farmers showed unity, but then they had an ag minister, Colin Moyle, who defended the sector.
Some farmers, maybe many, are under mental pressure brought on by the plethora of rules and regulations. It may prompt them to do or say rash things.

Farmers don’t have too many outlets to vent their frustrations unlike office and factory workers who can chat daily at smokos over a cuppa.

Groundswell supporters warned the Government after its first protest if it didn’t address their issues it would be back. They are keeping their word.

Terry Brosnahan

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Contact the editor: terry.brosnahan@nzfarmlife.co.nz or call 03 471 5272