Southland farmer gets top award

One of the challenges of modern farming leadership is the risk of being targeted by anti-farming people, says rural leader Bernadette Hunt.

Hunt was awarded the Primary Industries Leadership Award in Wellington this week.

‘‘The award is awesome and it’s such a lovely thing to have recognised, but it’s also really great recognition for Southland Federated Farmers as a whole because I couldn’t do what I do without their backing,’’ Hunt said.

‘‘The biggest challenge to farming leadership and the thing that really plays on my mind is the risk of being targeted by antifarming people because I could be a big scalp for them. I’m always mindful of what we are doing on the farm. It’s a huge challenge and I think that stops people from sharing their stories or speaking out too.’’

The Primary Industries awards are in their second year and aim to recognise and celebrate achievement within New Zealand’s most valuable industry.

Hunt’s award recognised her commitment to advocating for farming, particularly given her efforts to highlight the challenges

farmers face nationwide measuring up to the government’s new freshwater regulations.

Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland said: ‘‘Bernadette has the rare combination of having a clear vision of what’s right and wrong, being able to articulate a strong message and bring others on the journey. She absolutely leads by example.’’

The Leadership award is sponsored by Lincoln University.

The Outstanding Contribution award, sponsored by Massey Ferguson and presented by chief executive Peter Scott, went to Beef and Lamb’s Rob Davison.