The South Canterbury Federated Farmers vice president has represented the federation at national, regional and branch level and contributed to the South Canterbury Rural Support Trust, the arable group’s herbage seed growers subsection, United Wheatgrowers and the Foundation for Arable Research.
He has also been a staunch advocate for farmers at the Seed Quality Management Authority and on the Fertiliser Quality Council driving the development of a physical standard for fertiliser.
“It was difficult to know where to start on his immense contribution to the industry,” Federated Farmers arable chairwoman Karen Williams said
“This is an award that recognises excellence.
“Without Colin’s hard work, tenacity and leadership we believe farmers and growers wouldn’t have got the right outcomes.
“All of the work undertaken is in a voluntary capacity, which makes his contribution to the industry all the more impressive,” Williams said.
One of Hurst’s wins for the industry involved a plan change proposed by Environment Canterbury that not only would have hit the livelihoods of local farmers but also had consequences for all landowners.
He organised a meeting that attracted more than 80 affected farmers and got them engaged in the process.
“Thank goodness the council saw sense,” Hurst said.
“They didn’t change the nutrient limits but they did change the way they were allocated.”
Feeling honoured and privileged Hurst said he’s rapt his role and advocacy for farmers over many years has been appreciated.
Despite stepping back from the arable industry group Hurst continues to ensure growers are informed and engaged in the process of reviewing the Plant Variety Rights Act and that they understand crop residue burning, while a vital tool, is a privilege and farmers need to manage it accordingly.
He will continue to advocate for local farmers affected by the Mycoplasma bovis response as a member of the Rural Support Trust in South Canterbury.
Other Federated Farmers arable awards were: Biosecurity Farmer of the Year, Richard Kershaw, Wairarapa; Wheat Grower of the Year, Syd and Earl Worsfold, Canterbury; Seed Grower of the Year, Jim Macartney, Canterbury and Maize Grower of the Year, Peter Kelly, Waikato.
