Story: Farmer and grower organisations

Organisations for farmers and other rural people provided social networks, a political voice, opportunities for sharing knowledge, and help in hard times. Some groups are for farmers of particular animals or crops, and there are others for rural women and young farmers.

Story by Willie Smith and Steven Kelly
Main image: Cattle show certificate

Story summary

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A & P associations

Agricultural and Pastoral (A & P) associations were set up from the 1860s. They had an important community and educational role, and organised yearly shows where people could get together, share information and learn about new farming techniques.

Political organisations

The Farmers’ Union, set up in 1899, helped to promote politicians who supported farming issues. In the 1940s, the union joined with the New Zealand Sheepowners’ Federation to become Federated Farmers. The group represents farmers from 24 regions, across industries such as dairying, meat and wool growing, and beekeeping. They lobby the government on issues such as taxes, and laws affecting land, stock, and the environment.

Breed societies

There are many breed societies for breeders of sheep, cattle, deer and other farm animals. These define the breeds, provide judges for A & P shows, and arrange social and teaching events.

The horticultural industry has groups representing growers of different types of fruit or crop.

Māori farmers

There are few organisations that represent Māori farmers. Tāhuri Whenua (National Māori Vegetable Growers Collective) researches and develops traditional crops, and Te Waka Kai Ora (Māori Organics Authority) promotes traditional, organic production methods.

Rural women

The Country Women’s Institute began in New Zealand in 1922 to foster friendship and support among rural families. The Women’s Division was set up in 1925 by the wives of farmers attending a Farmers’ Union conference. Their goal was to help women and children in rural New Zealand. One service they provided was organising home help for families in crisis.

Young farmers

The first groups to represent young farmers were the Young Farmers’ Federation and the Country Girls’ Club. In the 1970s these combined to become the Federation of Rural Youth. Renamed New Zealand Young Farmers, they organise the Young Farmer of the Year competition, which tests practical, business and social skills.

How to cite this page:

Willie Smith and Steven Kelly, 'Farmer and grower organisations', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/farmer-and-grower-organisations (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Willie Smith and Steven Kelly, published 24 November 2008, reviewed & revised 30 November 2023