46 | nzdairy Dutch style representation could occur here Richard Loader The recent provincial election results in Holland where the Dutch farmers’ party won 15 of the Senate’s 75 seats, with almost 20% of the vote, could be repeated by Kiwi farmers says Southland farmer Jason Herrick, who was recently appointed to Federated Farmers Dairy Executive. He says the Dutch result is a prime example of what can be achieved by saying enough is enough, and standing up with a united voice. “Four years ago the Dutch farmers formed a political party (The Farmer-Citizen Movement), as a result of the government wanting to decrease farms by thirty percent, and re-establish the land back into natural fauna. The farmers held regular protests and made their voices heard. The result in Holland speaks louder than words, and is an ultimate result of farmers standing up for themselves and getting a massive amount of support. I think that’s what would happen in New Zealand. I am seeing a real need at a national level for a good strong solid voice.” After Jason suffered a mental breakdown in 2018, he and three friends formed a charitable trust called Ag Proud, which many readers will be familiar with from various BBQs and events around the country that celebrated the great achievements of New Zealand’s agricultural sector, and creating awareness around mental health. Jason says that by talking to people in the urban sector, it became very apparent that the rural sector would get a lot of support from their urban cousins if, as farmers, they would stand up for ourselves. “A lot of people are afraid to put their head over the parapet in case it gets shot off, unless there is support behind them. The rural sector has been very bad at standing up for itself, and hopes the issues will just go away.” Making his voice heard was the whole reason that Jason joined Federated Farmers. He says at the time Southland was standing up against winter grazing regulations and other unworkable rules, and he wanted to be part of that. Southland farmer Jason Herrick. DAIRY PEOPLE » Jason & Sandy Herrick • to page 47 KEYSE CONTRACTING Agricultural Cultivation Phone: 03 2486465 Mobile: 027 2051988 Proud to support Jason & Sandy Herrick Your electrical and refrigeration specialists in Southland and South Otago • Farm vat refrigeration and pre cooling • Heatpumps • Dairy services • All electrical maintenance and installation Hayden Baxter 027 765 8427 or Hamish Heaslip 027 215 0362 contact@handh.co.nz
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