4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Bruce and Yvonne Cameron - Tuakau Need more youth in advocacy roles A sign Bruce and Yvonne have on the road frontage of the property. Kelly Deeks Federated Farmers Franklin chairman Bruce Cameron is calling for more young farmers to step into advocacy roles, saying the sector needs fresh voices to help shape its future at a time of increasing pressure and change. Bruce, who has farmed for 52 years, says attracting younger members into Federated Farmers has become one of the organisation’s biggest challenges. “We are always looking for new people and fresh ideas, but it is not easy finding someone willing to step up and take on these roles,” Bruce says. Bruce continues to lead the Franklin branch while running his sheep and beef operation with his wife Yvonne, finishing Friesian and Charolais bulls for the manufacturing beef market. Bruce says there is a clear need to build capability in the next generation. “Younger farmers have different ideas and that is a real strength for the industry, but we have to find better ways to connect with them and show them why being involved matters.” Bruce says traditional communication channels are no longer as effective for reaching younger farmers, with social media now playing a much larger role. “They are not watching TV or reading newspapers like previous generations, so we need to meet them where they are and make sure they understand what Federated Farmers does.” He says the organisation offers a pathway for young farmers to influence decision making and gain a broader understanding of the sector, while also building networks that support them in their own farming careers. “There is a real opportunity for a young farmer to come onto the executive and see the difference we can make through advocacy.” Bruce believes Federated Farmers remains critical in representing farmers across all sectors, particularly as regulatory pressures continue to evolve. 09 237 3095 | sales@mrmotorcycles.co.nz *T’s & C’s apply - pricing subject to change without notice MULE SX BIGFOOT 400cc Petrol $16,132 e x c l . g s t MULE PRO-MX 700cc Petrol $20,911 e x c l . g s t MULE PRO-FX $24,068 e x c l . g s t MULE PRO-DX 1000cc Diesel $25,825 e x c l . g s t 812cc Petrol MULE PRO-FXR 1000cc Petrol $27,180 e x c l . g s t MULE PRO-FXHD 1000cc Petrol $27,468 e x c l . g s t Inline-3 Single Single Inline-twin Inline-3 Inline-twin DIESEL 5 Stadium Dr, Pukekohe “It is the only organisation that represents all farmers across the board, and that advocacy is extremely strong.” He says the realities of farming continue to highlight the importance of that representation, even in a strong season. “It has been a brilliant season for grass growth and I don’t think I have ever had one as good as this,” he says. However, rising input costs continue to create pressure, with fuel and fertiliser prices increasing despite stronger returns. “The downside is that imports all cost more, so fuel, fertiliser, and everything coming onto the farm becomes more expensive.” Global factors have also influenced fertiliser pricing. “A lot of our fertiliser comes from overseas, so what is happening globally does have a direct impact here.” Despite these challenges, Bruce says New Zealand farmers continue to operate to an almost organic standard in comparison to the rest of the world. However the combination of strong production systems and environmental performance is not always well understood by the public or the government. For Bruce, ensuring younger farmers engage with Federated Farmers is about protecting that story and strengthening the sector’s voice into the future. “If we can get more young people involved, they will see the value in it and help carry the organisation forward, and that is what we need for the long term.” Taylor Contracting Glen Murray Round Silage and Hay | Conventional Hay and Pickup Crew | Disc Drill with Fertilizer Hopper Fertilizer Spreaders | All Ground Work Services | Tip Trailer 12 Tonne | Roller 3-10 Tonne Proudly Supporting Bruce & Yvonne Cameron Contact Us 021 907 035 robtaylor211071@gmail.com 2302 Highway 22 RD 5, Tuakau | 027 923 9667 | hillcountry588@gmail.com • FARM & RURAL FENCING • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL FENCING
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