Sheep, Beef Farmers Elect Keith Kelly

21 June 2006
Sheep, Beef Farmers Elect Keith Kelly

South Auckland farmer Keith Kelly is the new chairman of the Meat and Fibre Producers’ Council, the sheep and beef industry group of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

Mr Kelly was elected chair by delegates at the Meat and Fibre Producers’ annual meeting in Wellington. He replaces Ian Corney, who stepped down after three years.

Mr Kelly and his wife Jennifer farm 312 ha of hill country at Clevedon, 50 kilometres south of central Auckland.

A member of Federated Farmers for 30 years, Mr Kelly was one of the industry group’s two vice chairs. He is chair of the Auckland Regional Animal Health Committee, and president of Auckland Federated Farmers.

“My style of leadership is very similar to that of Ian Corney. We hold similar views on a variety of subjects. We both speak our minds and are prepared to say what needs to be said at the appropriate time and place.

“I have hands-on experience and a good background into how the section works, the expertise and dedication of staff – with whom I have a good working relationship – and understand the need for good communication. The section has made giant leaps forward over the past few years by open and direct communication.

“We must retain our well-respected and trusted status earned by the open style of leadership put in place by Ian,” Mr Kelly told delegates.

ENDS

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