A South Canterbury man has been named Arable Farmer of the Year, for his "immense contribution" to Federated Farmers, related industry bodies and across the nation's arable sector.
Colin Hurst was presented with the award by the Minister of Agriculture Minister, Damien O'Connor at the arable group's AGM in Wellington.
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Federated Farmers Arable Industry Group Chairperson Karen Williams said it was difficult to know where to start with Hurst's contribution to farming.
The South Canterbury farmer has served Feds at national, regional and branch level and has also 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.
Williams said the award recognised excellence.
"Without Colin's hard work, tenacity and leadership, we believe farmers and growers wouldn't have got the right outcomes. All of the work undertaken is in a voluntary capacity, which makes his contribution to industry all the more impressive," she said.
Hurst had also been a staunch advocate for farmers around the Seed Quality Management Authority (SQMA) table; on the Fertiliser Quality Council (FQC), driving the development of a physical standard for fertiliser; and as a member of the FAR Board and ARG.
"He continues to advocate for local farmers affected by the Mycoplasma bovis response as a member of the Rural Support Trust in South Canterbury."
Other Federated Farmers Arable awards, which were presented by the Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor, were:
- Biosecurity Farmer of the Year - Richard Kershaw, Wairarapa
- Wheat Grower of the Year - Syd and Earl Worsfold, Canterbury
- Seed Grower of the Year - Jim Macartney, Canterbury
- Maize Grower of the Year - Peter Kelly, North Waikato
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