Wed Sep 18 02:21:33 UTC 2024: ## Federated Farmers Celebrates 125 Years of Championing Rural New Zealand

**Wellington, New Zealand** – Federated Farmers, the nation’s leading agricultural advocacy organization, is marking its 125th anniversary with a look back at its impactful journey. Founded in 1899 by dairy farmer Thomas Portland Smith, the organization has grown to represent the diverse voices of dairy, meat, wool, and arable sectors.

“Since our inception, Federated Farmers has been a stalwart for farmers and rural communities, providing a strong voice and advocating for fair treatment,” said current President Wayne Langford.

The organization’s history is marked by key milestones:

* **1902:** The first national conference brought farmers together to discuss shared challenges and negotiate for better conditions.
* **1910:** The formation of the New Zealand Sheep Owners’ Federation by Henry Acland further solidified the need for a united voice in the sheep farming sector.
* **Post World War II:** The merger of the Farmers’ Union and the Sheep Owners’ Federation created Federated Farmers, a powerful cross-sector body representing all farming interests.
* **1922:** The Meat Export Control Act, spearheaded by Sir William Polson, ensured farmers received a fair share of export meat profits.
* **1925:** The Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was founded, paving the way for the establishment of Rural Women NZ.
* **1969:** John Kneebone, a future Federated Farmers president, spearheaded the launch of Fieldays, now a multi-billion dollar event.
* **1977:** Collaboration with the government led to the establishment of the QEII National Trust, protecting over 200,000 hectares of natural areas on farms.
* **2005:** The organization’s “orange ribbon campaign” successfully opposed government proposals for mandatory access to rivers and lakes on farmland.
* **2017:** Katie Milne, a West Coast dairy farmer, became the first woman to be elected as Federated Farmers national president.
* **2019:** Federated Farmers played a key role in stopping the introduction of a capital gains tax, saving farmers an estimated $3-6K per farm.
* **2024:** The organization successfully challenged the government’s He Waka Eke Noa methane target and secured an inquiry into rural banking competition.

“We are incredibly proud of our 125-year legacy of advocating for farmers,” stated Langford. “We look forward to continuing to champion the interests of rural New Zealand for the next 125 years.”

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