To farm sustainably, both environmentally and economically, farmers need to be in the black, says Kevin Robinson, newly-elected Federated Farmers Hauraki-Coromandel provincial president.

Farming is coming under increasing pressure from regional and local councils, and the public over environmental issues – and Kevin doesn't disagree that some farming practices need cleaning up. However, he does believe a little patience and understanding would help the process.

Kevin Robinson, newly-elected Federated Farmers Hauraki-Coromandel provincial president.

'I don't condone for a minute anyone who discharges effluent into waterways. But most farmers have and are continuing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on effluent systems to protect the environment.
'It's a work in progress and cannot be completed overnight. Every farmer, I speak with, aims to hand on their farm in a better state than when they first came into it. But to be sustainable you need to be in the black (financially).”
Ensuring farming remains viable is among the reasons Federated Farmers has teams of policy analysts, throughout the country, monitoring national and local government regulations on behalf of farmers.
'There is no way farmers flat out farming can keep up with policy changes, which might adversely impact on their business. And we need viable farms because they benefit the environment and the New Zealand community.”
Kevin has extensive farming experience but it's not the career he started out with. 'I spent six years with the Forest Service, first as a woodsman and then a ranger trainee before joining the office in Thames.” In 1983, Kevin began 50/50 share milking and progressed to farm ownership. He is also a partner in Manuka, the New Zealand company which now owns 22,500 ha of dairy farms in Chile; and helped with early conversion to New Zealand dairying methods.
Kevin is also part of an equity partnership milking 600 cows on 200ha at Patetonga, and while he's not hands on farming, still takes an active interest in operations.
Kevin is also vice chair of Federated Farmers Dairy Industry Group and a member of the Waikato Conservation Board.
I think it's important a farmer's view is represented on the board. I consider myself a conservationist and enjoy the bush. It's where I get to unwind and relax, hunting with my dogs, or just taking time out.”
Kevin is also a member of the Waikato Regional Council Coromandel sub-liaison committee.
His experiences through Federated Farmers have helped give Kevin the confidence and skills to take on leadership roles, and it's something he wants to see developed further.
'Succession at all levels is an issue close to my heart that I feel is important for Federated Farmers to take a leadership role on.”
Succession at farm, community and industry levels are all vital for New Zealand to maintain its competitive edge.
'Getting succession right greatly aids sustainability, which seems a heavily over-used word these days. To me sustainability is the ability to farm better and more profitability, but with less impact on the environment.”
A firm advocate of Federated Farmers, Kevin says much of its strength is due to the fact that membership of the organisation is voluntary – people join because they want to, not because they pay a compulsory levy.
'Belonging offers a wide number of benefits and the more members we have, the more we can offer and the more we can do for farmers.”
To find out more go to: www.fedfarm.org.nz/