Morrison replaces retiring King Country farmer, Martin Coup, who has been the chairman since 2012.
The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farmer Councils are aligned to the organisation’s geographic electorates. They were established in 2010 as a network for guiding and advising Beef + Lamb New Zealand in identifying farmers’ extension and research and development needs.
The seven farmer councils are made up of volunteer farmer councillors and a regional chair, elected by the council. Their main responsibility is to work alongside Beef + Lamb New Zealand team members to develop their region’s Regional Delivery Plan (RDP) which determines what mix of extension events meet the needs of each regions farmers for the year ahead.
Outgoing Farmer Council Chairman, Martin Coup, said a major achievement of the councils under his tenure had been the development of the Farmer Research Advisory Group (FRAG) which identifies research priorities for the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Board to consider for levy investment.
“The environment leaders group is another arm of the Farmer Council that has helped the organisation respond to farmer needs.”
Morrison said he was delighted to be assuming the National Chair role at a time of significant farmer engagement and participation at Beef + Lamb New Zealand events and workshops around New Zealand.
“There’s been real momentum built up over the last five years and now is a good time to be considering how Farmer Council can help farmers get access to information and knowledge.”
Morrison is also a member of the Red Meat Profit Partnership Pilot Farmer Working group, and his new role as National Farmer Council Chair will provide a valuable linkage into the Beef + Lamb New Zealand farmer network.
For more information, please contact Beef + Lamb New Zealand Communications Manager, Jan Keir-Smith 027 271 7593.
